Golf: Mikko makes mark in China

MIKKO ILONEN made the perfect start to the third round of the Volvo China Open today with back-to-back birdies pushing the Finn to the top of the leaderboard alongside Korean duo Kim Do-hoon and YE Yang.

In-form Kim, fresh from posting a maiden career victory last week on his home tour, held a one-shot overnight lead over Yang, Welshman Jamie Donaldson and Asian No.1 Thongchai Jaidee, but was soon thrust into a three-way tie at 11 under par.

On a blustery third day at Jinji Lake International Golf Club, US PGA Championship winner Yang made a successful up and down from a bunker at the par-five second for his early gain.

With Donaldson remaining at ten under, compatriot and former champion Stephen Dodd made the biggest move of the third day with five birdies in 11 holes lifting the 2005 winner to nine under alongside Thongchai and Spain's Pablo Larrazabal.

Trophee Hassan II winner Rhys Davies set the third-round clubhouse mark at eight under par after the Welshman produced a "special back nine" which included two eagles in three holes for a seven under bogey-free 65.