Jet-lagged Overton takes off

A jet-lagged, sun-burnt Jeff Overton set a new course record to share the lead at the halfway point of the $6.1-million CIMB Asia Pacific Classic in sweltering Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The American, who has never won on the PGA Tour and had less than a day’s notice that he was competing, made one eagle and seven birdies to card a nine-under-par 62 in the co-sanctioned PGA Tour and Asian Tour showpiece.

It was the big-hitting Overton’s lowest score on the PGA Tour and he shares the lead with Sweden’s Fredrik Jacobson, who made a strong 64 for a 13-under-par 129 total.

It might have been even better for Overton, but he narrowly missed a birdie on the final hole. 

Fellow American Bo Van Pelt was in third, a shot behind, after he carded a 64. 

“A couple of weeks ago I changed clubs. They are awesome and just everything clicked today and I made every putt,” said a delighted Overton, who was on the plane to Kuala Lumpur at just 12 hours’ notice.

“The clubs came just in time for the tournament, but I felt quite jet-lagged today and at the first hole I told my caddy I didn’t think that I would make it through,” said Overton, adding 

he feared he had got sunburn.

In contrast, it was a disappointing day for first-round leader Robert Allenby at The Mines Resort and Golf Club. He fired a highly impressive 63 on day one, but it went wrong for the experienced Australian yesterday, as he had to settle for a 72.

Former world No 1 Vijay Singh surged into contention with an impressive seven-under-par 64 to add to his 72 on the first day, leaving him tied 13th.

 

Chinnarat leads Thai charge

Chinnarat Phadungsil carded a convincing 66 for a two-day total six-under-par 137 to lead the Thai challenge into the weekend rounds.

The Kingdom’s young gun reached the 18th hole with six birdies in hand but stumbled to a bogey finish, leaving him seven shots off the pace. 

“Yesterday I missed a lot of drives, but I hit every fairway today except on the last hole where I found the rough. I could have recovered, but I topped my chip,’’ said Chinnarat whose share of 13th is the best placing of three Thais in the tournament. Compatriot Kiradech Aphibarnrat fired a 67 for a total 138 to end the day joint 18th.

“The last hole is a tough tee shot. I missed it on the left side and hit a great putt for par but missed it. I feel happy today. Although my irons are not 100 per cent, it’s getting better and better. My putting was very good today,’’ said Kiradech who is not fully recovered from a wrist injury. 

Former Asian Tour No 1 Thongchai Jaidee trailed a stroke behind after he hit an even-par round for a three-under-par 138 total.