Chanachok and Dive scorch the course
PHUKET - BIG-HITTING CHANACHOK Dejpiratanamonkol was in spectacular form, shooting an opening 62 for the joint lead with Australia’s Martin Dive in the inaugural |Bt2-million Singha Phuket Open at the par-70, 6,475-yard Lakuna Golf Phuket yesterday.
The 23-year-old, who won the second leg of 2017 All Thailand Tour in Rayong two months ago, was at two-under after eight holes when rain halted play for an hour. The break proved a blessing for the golfer from Tak. After resuming play he chipped in from 20 yards for an eagle on the ninth hole and fired four more birdies to surge into contention in the Asian Development Tour co-sanctioned event.
“I made only one error on the second hole as I went for my shot and it landed in the water. After the rain, I regrouped and tried to shoot birdies. That eagle on the ninth was the turning point,” said Chanachok, who has been in contention in several tournaments since December. Those experiences have taught him to keep cool in tense situations.
“I have learned to control my emotions during competition. I try not to think too much and if I make mistakes I have learned to accept them and move on,” said the youngster, who finished 10th at the Thailand Open on Sunday, his best showing on the Asian Tour.
“I’m very happy to have started the tournament this way. It gives me enormous confidence. If I continue like this, I have a good chance of winning here,” he added.
Dive, 31, sank six birdies and an eagle on the seventh in a flawless round. The towering Sydney-sider won the season-opening ADT event in Malaysia in January.
“You set yourself in a pretty good position and see if you can carry on for the next three days. I will have to do the same stuff, hit the greens and give myself some chances and hope to make some putts again,” said Dive
Pawat Prachoomsrisakul, who received his pro certificate three days ago, followed a stroke behind at 63. The 20-year-old Phuket resident has an advantage over his competitors – he has been playing on this course since he was 12.
Pawat Prachoomsrisakul
“I’m having a good time in my first event as a pro. I just came to test myself in the biggest event of my life, not worrying about the score. I don’t have any goal this week but I want to have fun,” said Pawat, who was followed by two-dozen supporters.
