Leader Choi one ahead of golden oldie Norman

By Tony Jimenez

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Greg Norman, bidding to become the oldest British Open champion, defied his 53 years to finish one stroke behind leader KJ Choi of South Korea after Friday's second round.

World number 11 Choi rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt at the last to shoot a 67 for a one-under tally of 139, one ahead of Australian Norman (70) after a day of intermittent rain and winds much lighter than Thursday's 50-kph (30-mph) blasts.

Colombian Camilo Villegas, chosen in 2006 as one of People Magazine's 'hottest bachelors', produced his own version of sexy golf as five consecutive birdies to the 18th gave him a thrilling 65 and third place on 141.

Choi recovered from a first-hole bogey with four birdies including 20-foot efforts on the 13th and 18th.

The seven-times U.S. PGA Tour winner said he was grateful to have six-times major champion Nick Faldo's former caddie Andy Prodger on his bag at Royal Birkdale.

"Being with Andy is important for me," Choi told reporters after producing his lowest round at the British Open. "He is like my big brother, and my uncle at times.

"He makes me feel relaxed. If I'm feeling the pressure he will say something that makes me laugh," added the Korean who is aiming to become the first Asian male to win a major.

Former world number one Norman was also grinning after treating the crowd to the kind of golf that won him the coveted Claret Jug in 1986 and 1993.