Thaworn grabs Asian Tour lead
Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant signalled his intention of winning his 12th Asian Tour title on Friday.
Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant signalled his intention of winning his 12th Asian Tour title by posting a second round five-under-par 67 that rocketed him into the second round lead at the inaugural Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) on Friday.
Thaworn also remains on course to matching compatriot and reigning Order of Merit winner Thongchai Jaidee’s record of 12 Asian Tour victories after signing for a two-day total of eight-under-par 136 at the Linkou International Golf Club.
Malaysia’s Iain Steel kept up his charge for his maiden win on the Asian Tour by adding a 69 to his opening 68 to take second place while Australia’s David Gleeson and Tsai Chi-huang of Chinese Taipei are a further shot back in third place on 138 total.
Ben Fox and Matthew Rosenfeld of the United States posted matching 139s to take equal fifth at the US$300,000 full field Asian Tour event.
While the record-equalling feat is on track for Thaworn, the 43-year-old Thai, who already has three top-10 finishes this season, also believes that a victory at this week’s inaugural event will provide the impetus needed to mount a serious challenge at several upcoming high profile events on the Asian Tour Schedule.
“I’ve been playing well this season and my good form has given me lots of self-belief. I’m feeling good about my game and I’m ready to contend for the title this week,” said Thaworn who carded six birdies and a bogey.
“A win will definitely be nice as it’ll give me confidence when I play in the big events coming up in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore,” added the Thai.
Steel who started the day tied for second, reeled in birdies on holes two and four before dropping his only bogey of the day at the par-three eighth.
The Malaysian then added two more birdies on the 11th and 18th holes after the turn to sign for a 69.
“I didn’t hit my drivers and approaches as well as I could have. It was like a ham and egg round today and I came out with three-under,” said Steel.
“I still got to try to make birdies when I can. It’s quite tricky as the greens are very grainy. The par-fives are there for the birdies. The course is not very long but you’ve got to be careful and make some putts when you can,” added the Malaysian
Meanwhile Gleeson believes that he will have to improve on his driving if he wants to win his third Asian Tour title this week.
“I played pretty poorly today. I made a couple of chips and putts but hit three bad drives on the par-fives,” said the Australian.
Overnight leader Lu Wen-teh of Chinese Taipei was disappointed not to have retained his momentum of the first round. He could only shoot a second-round 73 for a share of seventh place.
“I just didn’t play as well as I did yesterday. I had a steady round on my front-nine with one birdie but committed too many mistakes on my back-nine resulting in two bogeys.
“It’s disappointing but there’re still two more rounds to play and I still hope to do well,” said the 47-year-old veteran.
Latest
-
Equipment
Four snug Titleist golf beanies to keep your head warm this winter
Titleist winter beanies are among the most popular brands when looking to keep the warmth in both on tour and with handicap golfers.
-
Equipment
Tommy Fleetwood hails amazing new TaylorMade putter
Tommy Fleetwood has been testing a new TaylorMade putter and it helped him make a spectacular start in the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship.
-
Features
How much are PGA Tour caddies paid and what are the realities of carrying a bag?
Ever wanted to caddie on tour? For many...
-
Videos
WATCH: 5 simple dumbbell exercises to improve your golf game
A pair of dumbbells can unlock endless exercises for golf swing-targeted strength and conditioning.
-
Equipment
Rory McIlroy and why he plays the TaylorMade Qi10 driver
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy says the Qi10 is the best driver he has ever hit and his numbers in 2024 justified the claim.
-
News
British celebrities and athletes with surprisingly low handicaps
Familiar faces from film, sport and our TV screens can’t wait to hit the golf course. We look at the handicaps of some of the stars.
-
Videos
WATCH: Unbelievably easy towel drill will sync up and improve your golf swing consistency
This simple and accessible driving range drill which requires just a towel will improve consistency and could transform your game.
-
Videos
WATCH: PGA Tour pros encounter massive alligator on the fairway and have wildly different reactions
Cody Gribble and Smylie Kaufman didn’t quite have the same response when walking past an intimidating reptile on the course in Florida.
-
Features
Five must-play golfing gems on England’s Golf Coast beyond the Open venues
Royal Liverpool and Royal Birkdale host the Open but there are plenty more wonderful links courses on the Merseyside and Lancashire coast.
-
Courses
Top 7 golf courses for incredible wildlife encounters around the world
Top 7 golf courses for INCREDIBLE wildlife encounters around the world.