Mt Maunganui golfer Josh Geary dug deep yesterday to spark the Asia Pacific team to a remarkable comeback against Europe on the second day of the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy in Auckland.
Trailing Europe 6 1/2 to 3 1/2 after the first day, Asia Pacific did not lose a match
in the afternoon foursomes and will take a one-point advantage going into the final round of singles today at the Auckland Golf Club.
The youthful Asia Pacific combination faced a three-match deficit in the morning, and while they showed improved form, only managed to share the fourball 2 to 2. They got in front early for the first time in the afternoon foursomes, winning four of the five matches to grab a 10 1/2-to-9 1/2 lead.
Geary and fellow Kiwi Mark Purser enjoyed a remarkable day, combining to beat the top-rating European combination of Gary Wolstenholme and Oliver Fisher (both of England) 2up in the morning fourball and then slotted a birdie on the 18th, in gloomy conditions, to snatch an important half.
Four of the afternoon results came with brilliant birdies by the Asia Pacific team on the final hole.
"I was a bit nervous this morning to know we had been selected to take on the No 1 Europe team," Geary said. "But Mark and I were really determined to play well and not let the team down.
"We played absolutely awesome this morning. We were eight-under and played so good. The afternoon was tougher because we started well but definitely struggled over the last six holes and lost our advantage."
Geary enjoyed the challenge with both matches decided on the final green.
"We knew we had played too well to blow it. We had worked hard and we deserved to win," he said.
"So we just dug deep, especially in the afternoon."
All five morning fourball matches were decided on the 18th with the five matches producing a stunning 70 birdies and two eagles. Purser and Geary, Japan's Yuta Ikeda and Yuki Ito, and Rory McIlroy (Ireland) and Richard Ramsay (Scotland) led the way, all finishing eight-under.
There are 12 singles matches today, starting at 10.30am.
