SHANGHAI, China (AP) — Kevin Stadler came to the HSBC Champions tournament with few expectations. He was even prepared to have a bad week in China.
What mattered was being free of the pressure of the U.S. tour, where he has struggled to find his niche.
Instead, Stadler led two-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson by one shot, carding a 3-under 69 on Friday for an 11-under 133 total to top a field that includes 10 of the world’s top 20.
Drawing the largest galleries in the absence of Tiger Woods, No. 2-ranked Mickelson shot a 66 with four birdies on the last five holes to go with Thursday’s 68. Englishman Ross Fisher (68) and Simon Yates (66) of Scotland were three behind at the Sheshan Golf Club.
Vijay Singh trailed by four after a 70 with other high-profile players far off the pace in the $5 million event, the biggest purse in Asian golf.
