Kiradech out to conquer King's Cup in Khon Kaen
Play
Last year's Asian Tour No 1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat is hoping his current hot form can propel him to a home trophy as he spearheads the local challenge in the US$500,000 King's Cup from November 27-30 at the Singha Park in Khon Kaen.
The 25-year-old, who missed a chance to realise his dream of winning a home event last week by finishing fourth in the Chiang Mai Classic, intends to make amends in the King’s Cup, which has been dominated by Thais for the past four years.
Less than two months after suffering a knee injury, Kiradech was quickly back in the groove with back-to-back top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour in the Venetian Macau Open and last week in Chiang Mai. He finished three shots behind winner Rashid Khan of India at the Alpine Golf Resort on Sunday.
“With the way I’m playing right now, I want to win a tournament in front of the Thai fans and especially in front of my family,” said Kiradech, who is playing in the Resort World Manila Masters this week.
“I’m hitting irons well and my approach shots are very accurate but I still have work to do on my putting. Had I putted better, I would have had a better chance in Chiang Mai,” added Kiradech, whose best show at the Singha Park was sixth two years ago.
“The winds are strong at this course which is quite long. Even par-3 holes are long and there are a lot of slopes on the greens,” said Kiradech, who is hoping to become the fourth straight Thai to win the event after Udorn Duangdecha, Arnond Vongvanij and Prayad Marksaeng.
All previous winners except Prayad who is playing in Japan, are taking part in the tournament. Three-time Asian Tour Thaworn Wiratchant and Prom Meesawat are the other Thai hopes in Khon Kaen.
