Thai star Kiradech pulls out of King's Cup
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In a blow to Thai hopes at golf's US$500,000 King's Cup, 2013 Asian Tour No 1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat has withdrawn from the event over knee trouble he has suffered for months.
The Thai star decided to skip the event, which tees off tomorrow at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club, due to the right knee problem that flared up during the final round of the Resorts World Manila Masters on Sunday.
His sudden withdrawal was a big disappointment for Thai fans, who are hoping to see the prestigious King’s trophy fall into Thai hands for the fourth consecutive tournament following wins for Udorn Duangdecha, Arnond Vongvanij and Prayad Marksaeng.
“I felt some stiffness in the knee again and I’m concerned it might have got worse. So I decided to rest after playing nine tournaments in a row,” said Kiradech, who posted back-to-back top 10 finishes at the Chiang Mai Classic and in Manila.
Without Kiradech, Thai hopes now rest on the shoulders of Prom Meesawat, bidding to win this year’s Order of Merit, and former Tour No 1 Thaworn Wiratchant. India’s Anirban Lahiri, currently second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, will be looking to close the gap on merit-topper David Lipsky of the US.
Other local heroes who will hope to feature prominently on the leader board this week are Jazz Janewattananond, Nam-choak Thantipokhakul Panuphol Pittayarat, Chinnarat Phadungsil, Pavit Tang-kamolprasert, Thamanoon Srirot, Pariya Junhasavasdikul, Chawalit Plaphol and Arnond Vongvanij.
