BERNHARD LANGER earned the chance to extend his record of 17 consecutive years with at least one victory when he had a second round 67 in the Alfred Dunhill Masters in Hong Kong yesterday.
The German's nine under par - halfway total of 133 at Fanling, where he won the 1991 Hong Kong Open, gave him a share of the half way lead with New Zealander Peter Devenport, Taiwan's Hsieh Yu Shu and the Korean Park NoSeok.
Langer's last victory, his 34th in Europe and the 46th of his career, came when he beat Barry Lane in a play off for the European Open title at the Kildare Hotel and Country Club 13 months ago. But this year he has struggled on the greens, both in the USA and Europe where he finished 39th behind Montgomerie, his worst position since he achieved his first win in the 1979 European Under 25 Championship.
Langer, who had twice beaten the yips with his eponymous wrist gripping putting method, confessed he was again afflicted, and in desperation turned to the broom handle putter at the Lancome Trophy in Paris in September. This week he has re embraced it, achieving a highly acceptable return of 12 birdies in his first 36 holes.
Langer's principal problem now is not the grainy greens, but the stamina sapping, unexpectedly fierce heat and humidity for this time of the year. "I am much happier at home in Europe putting a sweater on, than sweating all day," he exclaimed, after spending most of the round with a bath towel round his neck.
The German's concentration wavered only once, when he blocked his drive into trees at the 13th, found a gap, but was unable to reach the green with his low running recovery.
"It is late in the year but it would finish on a very positive note and give me back my confidence if I could win this weekend," he added.
Seve Ballesteros was eight shots off the pace after a 70, while Colin Montgomerie's putter remained tepid. "I gave myself 17 chances for birdie but only two went in," he said after shooting a 69 to be five behind the leaders.
