As with many bachelors in the week before they get married, Ross Fisher has gone off for a spot of golf while his nearest and dearest prepare for the big day back home. However, there the similarity ends. Today, the 26-year-old Englishman finds himself alongside Phil Mickelson, the world No 2 from the United States, and strongly challenging for the HSBC Champions tournament and its £400,000 first prize. How would that be for a start to married life?

After a second successive round of 68 over the Sheshan International course yesterday, Fisher lies on eight under par, three strokes behind Kevin Stadler, of the United States, and two behind Mickelson, both of whom he will partner in the third round today.

This year, Fisher fulfilled one aim by getting to play with Tiger Woods, in the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, where he finished only one stroke behind the world No 1 in fifth place. Now he can fulfil another. A prodigiously long and straight hitter, he claimed his maiden victory on the European Tour at the KLM Open in August, which was a relief considering that he had shared the lead going into the final round of the BMW Championship at Wentworth, his home course, in May, only to have an 84.

“I’ve experienced playing with the big boys – Tiger, Henrik Stenson and Ernie Els – but it will be special to play with somebody of Phil’s character,” he said.

Among those to miss the cut were Colin Montgomerie, who finished on seven over par.