Jakraphan hits dizzy heights

Five-time Asian Tour winner Anirban Lahiri held onto his two-stroke lead at the midway stage of the US$500,000 King’s Cup, firing a five-under-par 67 in his second round at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club.

Currently second in the Order of Merit, the Indian shot seven birdies against two bogeys at the mammoth  7,449-yard, par-72 layout for a two-day total of 12-under 132, two ahead of local underdog Jakraphan Premsirigorn and Australia’s Andrew Dodt.

Overnight co-leader Lahiri, winner in Indonesia and Macau this year, continued to assert himself in a round that edged him closer to his third Asian Tour win this season.

“I’m happy with the way I’m playing. It wasn’t quite as good as it was yesterday but I’m still feeling comfortable on the golf course and with the position I’m in. I dropped a couple of shots today, missed more greens than I did yesterday. But I’m happy with the way I finished, especially with those two birdies in the last four holes to pick myself up,” said Lahiri, one of the strong contenders for year-end No 1.

“Unknown” Jakraphan, who is based in Hong Kong but grew up in Thailand, fired eight birdies against a lone bogey for a 65 and a total of 134 – his best score on the Asian Tour.

“I was shocked to play so well today. I stayed with my game and tried not to think ahead. I didn’t hit the driver well but my irons and putting were very good,” said the 23-year-old.

“It will be my first time playing in the leader’s group in the Asian Tour tomorrow. I don’t know how I’m going to react, but I think I will be excited. I have to talk to my coach Kittipong Srithongkul for some advice.”

Dodt rode his hot form to leap up the leader board with a 65. Buoyed by recent strong performances that secured his card for Europe next year, Dodt is determined to give Lahiri a run for his money over the weekend.

The Australian’s sole victory on the Asian Tour came in India in 2010, but with renewed confidence, Dodt believes he can make push for another grandstand finish.

“Confidence is a huge thing in golf and if you can ride that momentum, you can go a long way. I feel like I’m in a pretty good spot at the moment so I’ll try to push Anirban on the weekend and we’ll see where we end up,” said Dodt.

“I struggled a little bit yesterday but scored well. I hit it a lot better today and holed some new putts. Anything you can shoot a good score like that, the confidence goes up and I’m looking forward to the weekend,” added the 28-year-old Australian.

Two-time Order of Merit winner Thaworn Wiratchant sank seven birdies against a double bogey on the 13th hole for a 67, which put him in lone fourth with a total nine-under 135. The 47-year-old already holds an unprecedented 17 titles on the Asian Tour and is looking forward to breaking more records.

“Shooting nine-under at this very long course is pretty okay for a man my age. It’s tougher to drive against younger guys on this course, where I have never produced good results. I’m still enjoying my game every day and that’s important. I love my golf and that’s what keeps me going, which includes trying for another win this week,” said Thaworn, who lifted his 17th Tour title at August’s Queen’s Cup in Samui.

SSP Chowrasia of India, the other first-round leader, shot 71 for a total 136 to tie for fifth along with Australian Adam Groom, Spaniard Carlos Pigem, Piya Swangarunporn and Thai teen sensation Danthai Boonma.

The weekend cut was made at two-under. Former champion Udorn Duangdecha and Arnond Vongvanij both made the cut.

Truesport5 will televise the third round live today from 1pm onwards.