Mardan sits pretty in Manila
Play
Singaporean has a four-shot lead as Kiradech chases
Singapore’s Mardan Mamat cruised to a four-shot lead at the Manila Masters after firing a sparkling six-under- 66 yesterday.
The 47-year-old, who has held a share of the first and second lead, put himself in prime position to lift a fourth Asian Tour victory at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club after a round that included seven birdies against a lone bogey for a three-day total of 17-under-par 199.
Thai hotshot Kiradech Aphibarnrat birdied the last hole for a 68 to ensure a final round match-up with Mardan in what is the richest golf tournament in the Philippines while Frenchman Lioniel Weber fired a superb 64 to move into third place, five behind the leader.
American Berry Henson, who also carded a 64, settled for a share of fourth place with Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, who returned a 68. Last year’s runner-up Prom Meesawat of Thailand produced a new course record of 63 which included seven birdies and one eagle that left him in tied ninth place on 208.
After ending his second round with four birdies, Mardan, the 2012 Philippine Open champion, picked up from where he left off by firing four straight opening birdies to take full control of the Resorts World Manila Masters.
“I got off to a great start which kind of gave me a good cushion. I kept myself in a zone. I knew I had to stay calm to maintain my lead. I had to keep myself comfortable which is key for me to playing well. I managed to do that and I am happy,” said Mardan.
Two of his three Asian Tour victories were wire-to-wire triumphs but the Singaporean, who is battling to save his Tour card as he lies in 74th position on the Order of Merit, knows the threat that reigning Asian Tour No 1 Kiradech will pose today.
“I’m looking forward to play with Kiradech. He’s a very good player and I know he is a long-hitter so we will see how it goes,” said Mardan. “I’ve been struggling with my game all these while so it would mean a lot for me to win this tournament. I think I would move to the Philippines if I can win here again,” he said laughingly.
The 25-year-old Kiradech, chasing a third Asian Tour victory, birdied the par five 18th hole to ensure he got into the final pairing with Mardan. But the big-hitting Thai hopes a lucky birdie on 15, where he thought he had initially driven his tee shot out of bounds, could be the turning point.
“I got lucky as it hit a tree and bounced back into the course and I made birdie on that hole. It could be a big turning point for me,” Kiradech said.“Mardan’s golf is solid and this course suits his game as he’s a consistent player. If I can get some early birdies tomorrow, I might be able to put some pressure on him.”
Stenson leads at midway stage
Henrik Stenson continued his amazing dominance at the Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Estates as his 11th consecutive round in the 60s gave him a two-shot lead halfway through the DP World Tour Championship.
The Swede shot a six-under par 66 round in the second round and is now 10-under par after 36 holes.
