HONG KONG, October 27, 2011 - Veteran Doug Williams and junior Ambrose Tam share the lead after firing matching three-over-par rounds of 75 over the tough Gary Player-designed North Course on Thursday.
Defending champion Michael Chong lies a shot further back in third, with Discovery Bay Golf Club's Jay Won an additional stroke adrift in fourth.
Alex Jenkins could have joined Williams and Tam at the top of the leaderboard but triple bogeyed the lengthy par four closer in his round of 78. It was an untidy start and finish for former HK National Squad member Jenkins, who had also double bogeyed the opening hole.
In an exclusive interview with HK Golfer, Jenkins, known as "the Jenkster" to the members of the Hong Kong press corps, blamed a loss of focus for the untidy finish. "Shame I didn't have Dr. Bob Rotella out there with me", he quipped, pointing out that his opening double was down to a poor drive and a 3-putt from 7 feet.
When asked about his chances, Jenkins replied: "God knows what will happen tomorrow!"
The 54-hole tournament finishes on Saturday.