Open Golf: Jimenez leads from big gun quartet

MIGUEL Angel Jimenez will take a one-shot lead into the weekend of the 142nd Open Championship.

The 49-year-old added a 71 to his opening 68 to sit one shot ahead of a very tasty quartet of Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson. The Spaniard has only dropped four shots in 36 holes.

Should he hold his position come Sunday night he will become the oldest Major champion – Julios Boros currently holds that distinction now, his PGA win in 1968 coming at the age of 48.

Jimenez only returned to action in April after breaking his leg in a skiing accident in December, not long after becoming the oldest winner on the European Tour with his victory in Hong Kong.

“Of course I feel pressure, anything that is important to you makes you feel pressure, but as long as I can handle it there is no problem. I have been playing golf for 25 years and sometimes you think maybe it’s too many, but it’s OK.”

‘Of course I feel pressure but as long as I can handle it there is no problem’ – Jimenez
It had looked like Angel Cabrera would lead, having got to four under but he then fell foul of Muirfield’s bruising closing stretch, dropping three shots from the 14th.

First-round leader Zach Johnson was also on minus four but a double at the 15th, and two bogeys, saw him drop back to one under after a 75.

Stenson would become the first Scandinavian to lift a Major trophy and his two rounds of 70 mean he is the only player to break par in both rounds. The Swede was third at both Birkdale in 2008 and St Andrews in 2010.

“I think I’ve got the experience to do well in these championships. Tough conditions is something that I enjoy and suits my game, as well.

“I might still look for a bit more confidence and a bit more trust in my long game. I feel like I’ve been a bit wishy-washy these two days. But at times I’ve hit some nice ones and committed to some good shots as well.”