Weir survives cut, eyes weekend comeback at Canadian Open

MARKHAM, Ontario, July 28 (Reuters) Mike Weir just made the cut at the Canadian Open for the first time in three years after a one-under 70 in the second round left him nine shots off the lead.

The Canadian left-hander, who is bidding to become the first home winner of the tournament for 53 years, carded four birdies and three bogeys, including one on the final hole that left him one shot above the qualifying mark at Angus Glen, yesterday.

''Oh, you know, it was a struggle all the way around,'' the 2003 Masters champion told reporters.

''Glad to get it in at one-under, but didn't play great. So we'll go to the range and try to figure it out.'' Weir, who has finished in the top 20 in all three Majors so far this year, fell short of a Canadian Open title in 2004 after losing a playoff to Vijay Singh.

With co-leaders Steve Allan and John Mallinger leading at 10-under, Weir would have to orchestrate the greatest 36-hole comeback in the tournament's history to win.

The biggest 36-hole recovery was staged by John Rollins, who erased an eight-stroke lead to capture the 2002 title.

''I've got to play really good to get back in this thing,'' Weir said. ''But at the same time, a number of times I've won tournaments I've come from a long way back.'' Reuters BJR VP0545