Pelle conquers Black MountainSwede shoots 67 to move joint top in Hua Hin
Play
Pelle Edberg of Sweden carded a secondround 67 to share a onestroke lead with Australian Scott Hend headฌing into the weekend rounds of the US$1.75million True Thailand Classic at the Black Mountain Golf Course yesterday.
The 36-year-old from Hok carded seven birdies against two bogeys for a 67 and a twoday total of 12-underpar 132 to put himself in contention for his first title this year.
“I’m more satisfied with the result today than yesterday. I was playing extremely good yesterday. Today I played well but not as good,” said the 225thranked Swede, looking for his first big win.
“It feels nice to see your name up there. I won’t be as nervous tomorrow as I was on Thursday. I’ll get more nervous when you know people are watching you. You can play the British Open and not have anyone knowing you,” said Edberg.
World No 122 Hend, who was tied second along with Thongchai Jaidee last year, carded a formidable 64 highlighted by six birdies and an eagle on the second hole to make up ground on Edberg.
“It’s good to get into position once again for the weekend. We’ll see hapฌpens,” said the seventime Asian Tour winner, whose past strong results in Thailand include victory at the Chiang Mai Classic two years ago.
“I like this course, I like the area, I like coming to Thailand as it’s a friendฌly place. Always have a pretty good time. After a lacklustre effort last week in the WGC in Miami, we’ll see what comes now,” added Hend, who lost here to countryman Andrew Dodt by a stroke last year.
One shot behind in lone third was Thai young gun Panuphol Pittayarat, who generated seven birdies for an errorfree 65, his best round so far this year.
“I chipped and putted well, so I couldn’t be happier about my round today. The speed of the greens is unusually fast at the Asian Tour level so I did a lot of practise on my putts after the first round,” said the 23yearold, who hit a holeinone on the par3 hole 14, which earned him the keys to a courseside villa.
Panupol, despite earning his card in 2011, has yet to hold a Tour trophy, with a runnersup position at the Selangor Masters in 2011 his best attempt to date.
“I came close several times but I expected too much of myself and that led to disappointing endings. I have to be really focused on my game and try to enjoy the results,” added the Thai.
Overnight leader Peter Uihlein of the US hit 71 for a total 135 to fall three shots off the lead, sharing fourth posiฌtion with Scotland’s Simon Yates, David Lipsky of the US, Rhys Davies of Wales and Shuan Norris of South Africa.
Piya Swangarunporn shot his secฌondstraight round of 68 for an eightunderpar 136 total and a share of joint ninth alongside Benjamin Hebert of France, Indian pair Chiragh Kumar and Rashid Khan, Marc Warren of Scotland and Javi Colomo of Spain.
Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee, with another 69, ended the day with a total 138 to share 16th place with fellow countrymen Chapchai Nirat, Prom Meesawat and Somsak Kaopratum.
A total of 72 players made the cut at twounderpar 142. Failing to move ahead was Thai No 2 Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who had problems with his new driver and fired 69 for a total 143. Defending champion Dodt shot a second successive 73 for a total of 146, which deprived him of the chance to make it to the weekend rounds.
