Namchok Leads Rain-Delayed Sngha Champiosnhip
Chonburi-based Namchok Tantipokhakul defied the rain interruption to fire a 68 for a stroke lead in the rain -interrupted second round of the BT2 Million Singha Championship at Rayong Green Valley Club on Saturday’s morning.
Namchok, one of the overnight leaders, was five under par after four holes before rain stopped play for four hours. He returned to fire four birdies against a bogey to total his score of eight-under-par 134 at the par 71 6,948 yard landscape on Friday.
While Namchok was done with the midway stage, around 70 players having to resume their round this morning. The 29-year-old Namchok was more than happy to hand in his second round scorecard as the leader and can get relaxed before the third round in the afternoon.
“It was tough day because of the weather condition. I’m happy that I got to finish the second round before many others. Although the green was a bit softer because of the rain, I still adjusted to the condition well and had nothing to complain,” said Namchok, winner of the ATDT Warisan Harta Sabah Masters, Malaysia this year.
“It’s been a long time since I won a local tour. Everyone here wants to win including me. I just have to play my game and stay focused,” added Namchok.
Panuwat Muenlek, another overnight leader, came back from a disastrous back nine where committed two bogeys and a double bogey on the 14 th hole to fire six birdies in seven holes at the front before ending with a 69 on Friday and a halfway total of seven-under-par 135.
The winner of the last week’s ATDT PGM Port Dickson Championship in Malaysia blamed it on the rain for his sluggish start.
“I had to stop for a couple of times after four holes (10-13) and it really got me off rhythm. After four hours of break, I drove the ball way too long and ended up with a double bogey. Luckily I got a lucky birdie on the first hole and the momentum switched from then on. I’m so happy to fight my way back,” said Panuwat.
“Judging from how I found my way back, it gives me a lot of confidence going to the weekends. I’m just one shot behind the lead,” he added.
Also at joint second were Lerpong Sithiwong after a 68, amateur Kammalas Namuangruk, 66, Danthai Boonma, 68 and Natthapong Niyomchon, 67. All just completed their second round on Saturday’s morning.
The third round started at 11.40am.
