Kapur in contention in Abu Dhabi

India's Shiv Kapur charged into contention in the European Tour's Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday, shooting a blemish-free six-under-par 66 to lie two shots off the lead.

The 24-year-old Indian, the Asian Tour's Rookie of the Year in 2005, sank six birdies and his two-day total of eight-under-par 136 kept him within touching distance of leader, Phillip Price of Wales.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee started the day in eighth place but a 71 saw him slip back to tied 18th place on 139. The two-time Asian number one, winner of the Volvo Masters of Asia on home soil last month, knows he needs two good rounds to challenge for the title.

South Africa's James Kingston was also tied 18th after a fine 68 while England's Yasin Ali ended the day in tied 41st place after shooting a 70. Thai teenage phenom Chinarat Phadungsil made the cut after adding a second straight 71.

It was the end of the road for last year's Asian Tour UBS Order of Merit champion Jeev Milkha Singh of India as he missed the cut by one stroke following a 71. Compatriot Jyoti Randhawa and Singaporean Mardan Mamat also agonisingly missed the weekend rounds by a single shot.

On the US PGA Tour, Australia's Andrew Buckle carded his best score of 66 and leaped to joint joint 13th place. With a 206 total, Buckle was a stroke ahead of Sweden's Daniel Chopra who scored a 71.

Kevin Na slid to tied 82nd spot after a 75 in the third round. Justin Rose of England fired a 66 as he leads with a 198 total.

January 19, 2007