honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 8:42 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2008

Golf: Kaymer takes 6-stroke lead at BMW

By ROY KAMMERER
Associated Press Writer

MUNICH, Germany — Martin Kaymer closed in on a Ryder Cup berth when he shot a 67 today for a six-stroke lead heading into the final day of the BMW International Open.

The 23-year-old German sank a 15-foot birdie putt on the final hole to move to 18-under 198 and add a stroke to his lead after Friday's breakaway round of 63. A victory Sunday would move him to sixth on Europe's Ryder Cup list and make him the first German to win the 20-year-old tournament.

"My chances will be very good, that's obvious," Kaymer said of making the team that plays the Americans in September. "If not, I think I will have other chances. I'm just trying to enjoy this, especially in Germany."

South African Charl Schwartzel was second after his 66 left him at 204.

Paul Casey had a 67 and headed a quartet at 205 that included Frenchman Thomas Levet and English players Ross Fisher and Benn Barham.

"I feel like I'm playing good — I'm currently at 11-under," Casey said. "But if he (Kaymer) continues to play like that, there's no way we're going to catch him."

The Ryder Cup would continue a rapid rise for Kaymer, who followed last year's rookie of the year honors with a maiden win at Abu Dhabi in January. Two weeks later, a charge left him just one stroke behind winner Tiger Woods at Dubai.

Every good shot by Kaymer sent up a roar by the 6,000 Germans who followed his performance. The long-hitting German also led by six strokes heading into the final round at Abu Dhabi.

"We'll see, but I have been in this situation before, so I know what to expect," Kaymer said. "Seeing all these spectators here is motivating."

Iain Pyman recorded the day's lowest score of 64 to be tied 11th at 207, along with Retief Goosen, who shot a 69.

Colin Montgomerie, with 209, was headed for one of his best rounds in months with five birdies and an eagle before a late bogey and double bogey left the Scotsman with a 68.