Korean Choi loses control in the wind

By Norman Dabell

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - KJ Choi lost his way with his swing and his putting as the overnight leader dropped back into a share of second place behind Greg Norman after the British Open third round on Saturday.

"I couldn't control my tee shots or putting," South Korean Choi told reporters after running up two double-bogeys in a five-over-par 75 that left him on four-over 214 alongside champion Padraig Harrington.

"The key was the putting. I was scared when I took a backswing as the wind was moving the ball. I'm still in a good position though. Five over today is still okay."

World number 11 Choi is trying to become the first Asian male to win a major title.

He believes he can stop 53-year-old Norman becoming the oldest winner of the title and Harrington making it back-to-back victories in the third major of the year.

"I will have to try to catch up. I enjoy the course and I'm comfortable on it," said Choi.

"Today was tougher than the third round at Carnoustie in 1999 when the winds were 35-mph (56-kph). If it is windy tomorrow it will be tough for everyone.

"Tomorrow it will be important for me to putt well. I missed about three or four putts from inside four feet. I told myself to hit it harder but it was always short."