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Cink, Harrington and Sabbatini Share Lead at Portugal Invitational

Ernie Els's reworked layout with five par-5s is creating scoring chances that let veteran players post very low rounds.

Overview

  • Stewart Cink surged after Saturday's second round, firing an 8-under 64 that included two eagles and lifted him to 13 under, a tie with Padraig Harrington and Rory Sabbatini.
  • Zach Johnson opened the event with an 8-under 64 on Friday that featured nine birdies and birdies on all five par-5s, and he sits one stroke back at 12 under after a 68 in round two.
  • The Els Club Vilamoura, redesigned by Ernie Els, has five par-5s and has produced wide-open scoring with 64 of 78 players at even par or better in the first round.
  • The results extend season-long runs: Johnson has three Champions wins this year and Cink has multiple victories and leads season standings, making the final round important for the Charles Schwab Cup race.
  • A star-studded senior field and favorable scoring conditions have kept the leaderboard volatile, and Sunday’s final round will determine whether a late charge or steady play wins on the tour's first event in Portugal.