Bangkok, February 5: Filipino Mars Pucay and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat stayed in the hunt for their career first title by sharing the early second round lead at the Asian Tour International on Friday.
Pucay, playing in his 15th season in Asia, shot a second straight three-under-par 69 at the Suwan Golf and Country Club to lead the US$300,000 with 20-year-old Kiradech, who battled to a 70, on six-under-par 138.
One b
ack is in-form Singapore Lam Chih Bing, who also shot a 70 playing alongside Kiradech. Thailand’s Thammanoon Srirot returned a 69 to lie three off the early lead in the season-opening event.
Pucay kept his round steady, shooting four birdies against a lone bogey. “It was a great day for me. I was able to shoot another 69. I hit the ball really well except for two tee shots which I managed to save par on the last hole. Other than that, I played really well,” said the 39-year-old.
After shooting the season’s first hole-in-one on Thursday, Pucay dedicated the feat to his wife as they celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary but he knows that a victory on Sunday would top it all.
“A nice gift for us would be to finish number one in this tournament. I’ve been striking the ball really well and putting really well too. I am waiting for my first win, which is my goal. If I can shoot four under over the next two days, that’ll be very good,” he said.
Former world junior champion Kiradech turned in 37 but fought back with four birdies and another bogey to keep alive his dreams of a home victory.
“It was a slow start as I had two three-putts for bogeys on the front nine. But on the back nine, I hit it closer to the pins. Hit the ball better than the first day and holed some putts,” said the burly Thai.
“I am hitting the driver well this week. My
short irons were not quite the same as yesterday but it’s okay. I’m not feeling nervous at all. Everything feels the same for me. As I’m playing in Thailand, my family and friends are here and I’m not feeling too excited. I’m keeping my concentration well.”
Lam kept himself within touching distance of the clubhouse leaders with another steady display. He won a domestic Thai event last weekend but a second Asian Tour triumph is very much the goal for Lam.
“Front nine, I was struggling but made a lot of par putts but on the back nine, I hit it good but missed a lot of opportunities. All in all it was a decent round. I’m still within striking distance. As long as I stay in contention, that’s the key,” said Lam.
“I know my swing pretty well now that when I hit a bad shot, I kind of know what I am doing wrong. My caddie told me to stay patient. On the 15th hole, I hit it to five feet and finally made one. Then made a 12 footer on the next hole,” he said.
Lam was thoroughly impressed by Kiradech’s game. “Kiradech makes the game look so easy. He hits it long and chips and putts well. He’s much longer than I am, about 20 or 30 yards easy. I’m very short these days. I’m used to it. I’ve been playing with so many young guys who hit it long and at the end of the day, it’s the score that count.
I would love to get the chance again on Sunday as I have been through hit before,” he said.