Westwood on target to win waterlogged Volvo Masters and pip Karlsson to European Order of Merit

Published on 01/11/2008 19:02

LEE Westwood still hopes to have something to shout about before he has his tonsils out tomorrow – a second European Order of Merit title.

Westwood needs to win the season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama to have a chance of pipping Swede Robert Karlsson and a brilliant finish to his rain-delayed second round yesterday re-ignited his challenge.

The man who ended Colin Montgomerie's seven-year reign as No.1 in 2000 played the last 11 holes in six under par to climb into a tie for second place only two behind Dane Soren Kjeldsen.

And that became only one behind in the six holes of his third round which were possible before another downpour suspended play again.

If Westwood wins the tournament today – the weather will dictate whether it is decided over three or four rounds – Karlsson will have to be second or third to retain top spot on the money list.

But after 11 holes of his round the Swede was down in a share of 28th spot on five over.

When the hold-up came, Kjeldsen had been caught for the second time in the day by Sergio Garcia. They were five under, with Westwood four under and Londoner Anthony Wall a further stroke back on three under.

Padraig Harrington's hopes of a second Order of Merit crown in three years were not over yet either as he turned in a superb 32 to climb to two over and joint 18th. He can finish in the top two and overtake Karlsson, although a Westwood victory would deny him.

Less than four hours' play had been possible on Friday and with more rain falling as the tournament resumed at 8.30am yesterday there remained the possibility that it might even be cut to 36 holes.

However, conditions improved and with little or no wind, so did the scoring.

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