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Choi stays in touch with leaders

Choi Kyung-ju stayed within touching distance of the leaders at the US PGA Championship when he fired a second straight five-under-par 67 in the third round at Medinah Country Club on Saturday.

The Korean star fired seven birdies against two bogeys in the year's third major for a three-day total of 207 and seventh place, five shots behind joint leaders Tiger Woods and Luke Donald.

American world number one Woods carded a 65 to join co-overnight leader Donald atop the leaderboard, with the Englishman firing a 66. Europe has failed to deliver a winner at the PGA Championship since 1930.

Playing alongside Phil Mickelson, who returned a 68 for eighth place, Choi, a three-time winner on the US PGA Tour, birdied his opening hole before dropping successive bogeys on the fourth and fifth hole. However, the former powerlifter muscled his way back into contention with a superb inward nine of 32.

No Asian player has won a major previously with Choi rated as the most likely to do so. But he will face an uphill battle as Woods has won all his 11 majors holding at least a share of the 54-hole lead going into the final round.

Former Asian regular Daniel Chopra of Sweden slid out of contention with a 76. Playing with Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who posted a fine 67, Chopra turned in 35 before a woeful back nine of 41 spoiling his card.

He shot three birdies but two double bogeys proved too costly for the former Mercuries Taiwan Masters winner.

In the Russian Open on the European Tour, South African James Kingston fell off from contention after a third round 73, seven shots off the lead held by Alejandro Canizares. Australaian Jarrod Mosely moved up to tied 24th place after a superb 65 while compatriot Terry Pilkadaris carded a 68, good for a share of 32nd position.

August 20, 2006