Campbell leads Hong Kong Open; McIlroy misses cut
HONG KONG (AP) -- Hong Kong Open leader Michael Campbell says it will be easier for him to end a seven-year winless drought after defending champion Rory McIlroy missed the cut at the Hong Kong Open on Friday. The 43-year-old Campbell holed a 10-foot birdie at the last for a 6-under 64 that gave him a one-stroke lead at 9 under on the Fanling course at Hong Kong Golf Club. Four other 40-somethings followed Campbell on the leaderboard. Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain, 48, posted a 67 to share second with Zhang Lian-wei of China, 47, and Fredrik Andersson Hed of Sweden, 40, who both shot 66. And 42-year-old Anders Hansen of Denmark matched Campbell's 64 to sit fifth at 7 under. Campbell denied Tiger Woods the 2005 U.S. Open title at Pinehurst, and hasn't tasted success since winning the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth four months later. He was surprised to learn McIlroy missed the cut with a 5-over total. "It now makes winning the Hong Kong Open a lot easier, definitely," Campbell said. "But then Rory's world No. 1 for a reason as he's a wonderful talent and I've admired him ever since he turned pro." The New Zealander based in Spain was third in the Portugal Masters a month ago, his best result in years. He confessed there were occasions since his last win, after which he became distracted by off-course events, that he considered quitting golf. But he gained inspiration from the winning efforts of fellow 40-somethings.