Hong Kong Open: leader Ben Campbell has chance to make history, with city duo in the running
Kiwi could become third player in the event’s 65-year history to retain his title, as Taichi Kho and Jason Hak put themselves in contention
Defending Link Hong Kong Open champion Ben Campbell will not just be battling the rest of the field when he takes a one-shot lead into the weekend, but the weight of history too.
In the 65-year history of the tournament, only two players – Hsieh Yung-yo (1963-64) and Miguel Angel Jimenez (2012-13) – have successfully retained their titles, although the likes of Wade Ormsby and Peter Thomson won twice in three years.
Campbell’s second-round five-under-par 65 on Friday took him to 12 under overall, with overnight leader Nitithorn Thippong’s 67 moving him to 11 under.
On a day of low scoring, when four shots separated the top 10, Hong Kong pair Taichi Kho and Jason Hak Shun-yat put themselves in contention, with both reaching the halfway stage at eight under.
Everyone, though, will be chasing Campbell, and the New Zealander knows patience will be the key to keeping ahead of the field at the Hong Kong Golf Club.
“I just think it’s a course where, you know, I’m not the longest hitter, so it’s good that you’ve just got to sort of plot your way around and just be patient,” Campbell said. “It’s just all about not trying to overpower the golf course.”
