Ian Poulter was not even planning on playing the UBS Hong Kong Open on Monday morning but after two impressive opening rounds the 2010 champion now has his eye on a second crown.
When the Official World Golf Rankings came out earlier in the week, Poulter was surprised to discover he had dropped to 51st meaning he did not have a place in the World Golf Championships - HSBC Champions in two weeks' time.
The second tournament of the Final Series had been on the Englishman's schedule along with the Turkish Airlines Open, BMW Masters and DP World Tour Championship and the four would have brought his tally of European Tour events up to the required 13 to keep his membership for 2016.
But with his participation at Sheshan International Golf Club now in jeopardy, Poulter swiftly moved to play in Fanling with tournament invite Rich Beem giving up his place to accommodate the 39 year old.
A mad dash across the skies followed with Poulter arriving on Wednesday night with no time for a practice round and without his usual caddie.
That chaotic build-up does not seem to have fazed the 12-time European Tour winner, though, with opening rounds of 67-66 leaving him just two shots off the lead.
Poulter has a good record at Hong Kong Golf Club, with top five finishes either side of his 2010 victory which included a second round 60, and he is eyeing another successful weekend.
I don't play to take part. Obviously I play to win - Ian Poulter
"Even coming in as late as I did, mind focusing on shooting a good score obviously yesterday and today, was really key," he said.
"And you know, I know this golf course. I've shot 60 around here before.
"So albeit that I had not played a practice round but I've got good memories on this golf course. I've had a couple of top fives in the last five years around here as well. So I know the place, I like it, and hopefully I can have a good weekend."
Lucas Bjerregaard was a shot ahead of Poulter at eight under as he searches for a first win on the European Tour.
The Dane has three top tens in his last five starts, including finishing one shot off a play-off at the 72° OPEN D'ITALIA presented by DAMIANI, and he is hopeful that those experiences will stand him in good stead.
"I've learned a lot," he said. "I think in Italy a month or two back, I think I handled myself a lot better. The week after in Germany, as well, two decent weeks there where I had a chance of a good result and thought I handled myself a lot better than I've done in the past.
"So obviously that helps and I've learned a lot about myself and how I react to those type of situations. So hopefully I can use that."
Overnight leader Lu Wei-chih kept up his challenge with a 69 which got him to seven under. The man from Chinese Taipei had regained a share of the lead after nine holes but a double bogey on the third dropped him back into a share of third.
The 36 year old has to manage his schedule carefully after undergoing brain surgery three years ago and he admitted that fatigue was a factor in the latter stages of his round.
"It took me a few holes to get in the flow, just like the first round," he said. "But then after a few holes, I started getting very confident and got a few birdies.
"But towards the end of the round, physically, I felt pretty tired and most of the drives ended up in the rough. But fortunately, I saved a few pars coming home.
"Towards the end of the round, I feel tired and then my lower body is not as stable as I'd like. And then a few awkward drives with not the result I would like, but luckily I finished with a few pars."
