Kiradech and Thongchai Battle Hard for 73 at World Cup of Golf.
Melbourne, China, November 24: Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat conceded they failed to produce their A-game after battling to a one-over-par 73 in the opening day’s foursomes at the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf on Thursday.
The Thai duo dropped a bogey on the 18th hole at Kingston Heath Golf Club to finish the day in tied 10th place, four shots behind leaders Spain in the 28-nation US$8 million team event.
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, the world number six, and Ryo Ishikawa, were amongst those bunched on 73 after a tough day of scoring where only six nations broke par in the alternate shot format.
Chinese Taipei’s C.T. Pan and Chan Shih-chang, a two-time Asian Tour winner this season, signed for a 74 after dropping a double bogey on 17 and bogey at the last hole. Team China, represented by Wu Ashun and Li Haoton, was the best Asian team in a share of second position following a 70.
Thongchai, a three-time Asian Tour number one, was disappointed withi his usually reliable driving as he left teammate Kiradech in a spot on several occasions.
“My driver was not performing for me, I was driving it very bad,” said Thongchai. “We had a good comeback to even par, and then we bogeyed the last hole. This format is very tough. The wind direction was also tough.”
Big-hitting Kiradech believes Friday’s fourball would present an opportunity for Thailand to pick up pace in the World Cup of Golf. “We finished like one-over but there’s still a lot of chance. If I get my A‑game back tomorrow, it will be good fun,” he said.
Pan and Chan, decked in matching outfits, lamented their late struggles, dropping three shots in the closing two holes in their World Cup of Golf debuts. “I felt our teamwork was great except for the last couple of holes. We both hit a couple of bad shots and it cost us quite a bit,” said Pan, who saw his team slide from being inside the top-five to tied 14th.
An errant drive on three by Chikkarangappa saw India drop a double bogey on three but he and Chawrasia, both making their World Cup of Golf debuts, hung on for a 74.
“We saved a few shots. I think we’ll be better tomorrow, three more days left and we’ll try to get better,” said Chawrasia, who has won twice on the Asian Tour this year. “We can catch up easily.”
Chikkarangappa blamed himself for putting Team India on the backfoot early on but redeemed himself with a chip in birdie seven. “I didn’t give SSP a good start. But we somehow made a good comeback when I holed a chip-in birdie. S.S.P. also made some good putts and good saves. We could have done better but there’re three more days. It’s the first time we’re playing this format together and we can learn from this (for Saturday),” he said.
