Sport

Norman gets teeth into Open challenge

Just when we thought it was safe to go back in the water, golf's "Great White Shark" has bared his teeth again

Fri Jul 18 2008 - 01:00

Just when we thought it was safe to go back in the water, golf's "Great White Shark" has bared his teeth again. Amazingly, Greg Norman could be Open champion again on Sunday night.

At the age of 53 and after a countdown to Royal Birkdale in which he spent more time playing tennis with new wife Chris Evert than working on his game, Norman has turned back the clock these past two days.

A closing 20-foot par putt — adrenalin from the ovation he received coming onto the green may have caused him to charge his long birdie attempt — gave the Australian, champion in 1986 and 1993, a second successive level par 70 while many of the current generation of stars struggled again.

Now, much to his huge surprise, he has an opportunity to become comfortably the oldest winner of any major. American Julius Boros was 48 when he lifted the 1968 US PGA title.

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With the late starters, including many of the pre-tournament favourites, trying to make up at least some of the ground lost in Thursday morning's foul weather Norman led by one from Colombian debutant Camilo Villegas as the second day's play drew towards its close.

First round leaders Graeme McDowell, Rocco Mediate and Robert Allenby were in all at two over following 73s and had been joined by former US Open champion Jim Furyk, joint fourth on the same links 10 years ago, and Swede Alex Noren.

While still determined to keep his expectations low — he put them at "almost nil" entering the week — former world number one Norman is still a golfer with dreams.

"My mind still wants to perform well," he said. "I really don't have the physically ability to go out there and hit balls six to eight to 10 hours a day like I used to, but my mind still salivates.

"I still cherish it, I relish it. When I come back from a good practice session I feel great about it."

Defending champion Padraig Harrington, doubtful before the start with a wrist injury, stood five over with three to play, while Justin Rose and Lee Westwood were five over and seven over after 15 and nine respectively.

Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els, who began with 79 and 80, still faced an uphill battle to survive the cut at 10 over entering the back nine.

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