Jazz Remains in Charge at Bangladesh Open
Dhaka, February 2: Young Thai talent Jazz Janewattananond continued to take charge at the Bashundhara Bangladesh Open after carding a four-under-par 67 to grab the second round clubhouse lead by one shot on Thursday.
The 21-year-old Thai, who lived as a monk for two weeks back home in Bangkok last December, traded seven birdies against three bogeys to lead on 11-under-par 132 total at the Kurmitola Golf Club.
India’s Shubhankar Sharma signed for a 68 to sit in second place while another young Thai Rattanon Wannasrichan charged up the leaderboard with a flawless 64 to trail by three in third place at the US$300,000 Asian Tour event.
“It was a mixed round for me but I wasn’t thinking much. I just told myself to enjoy my game. I walked to the club from my hotel for about 20 minutes in the cold this morning and I forgot my jacket.
“I didn’t have much time to warm up and prepare. It was a bit of a rush but I still managed to par the first couple of holes so I am happy with that,” said Jazz, who started the round with a two-shot advantage.
Jazz said his experience of living as a monk has strengthened his mental game and helped put him in contention for a first Asian Tour title at the Bashundhara Bangladesh Open.
“It was a good experience. I prayed and chanted every day in the temple. I felt really peaceful, even till now. I seem to take things a lot easier now. Golf used to be everything for me but now I’m just happy that I get to play in tournaments.
“I did it for my parents and my late King. It’s a normal practice for boys who turned 21 years of age. I turned 21 last November so I decided to do it after my season ended last year,” explained Jazz.
Sharma, also chasing for a maiden win, took pride in his commendable round despite falling out of the lead.
“The round wasn’t as smooth as it was yesterday but it was still good. I hit the ball decent and I managed to hang in there. I got off to a good start. I made a chip-in birdie on 10 which was my first hole today. It was just off the green from about 25 feet.
“I went on to make a 30 footer on 12 for birdie as well. On the 14, my ball was plugged in the bunker but I hit it out to just one foot from the pin. My target was to shoot -10 for the first two rounds and I managed to do it. I am looking forward to the next two rounds,” said the 20-year-old Indian.
Ends.
