Pattaraphol enjoys error-free day at rain-hit Phuket Open
PHUKET - Unfancied Pattaraphol Khanthacha carded a back-to-back 64 for an error-free clubhouse lead at 12-under in the rain-delayed Bt2-million Singha Phuket Open at the Laguna Golf Phuket yesterday.
Downpours interrupted play several times yesterday but the unpleasant weather conditions did not break the momentum of the 26-year-old from Nakhon Ratchasima who reaped six birdies for the second straight day in the ADT-sanctioned All Thailand Tour event.
“My game plan was to make as few bogeys as possible. I have made none in two days. I’m not worried about making birdies, I just don’t want to make any mistakes,” said the unheralded Thai, who holds a two-day total of 128.
“The conditions were tough and I personally don’t like rain. Luckily, I hit everything onto the fairways, which made it easier for my approach shots. I also made several putts today which was the key,” added Pattarapol, winner of the All Thailand Tour in 2011 at the Water Mill Golf and Garden in Nakhon Nayok.
“Now my goal is to finish in the top three. I cannot control the results of others. So I try not to make mistakes and if I can shoot a lot of birdies, I may have a shot at winning.”
A stroke behind at joint second were Atthaphon Sriboonkaew and Voramate Aussarassakorn, who carded a 63 and 62 respectively despite the dampen conditions.
Attaphon Sriboonkaew
“I was lucky to have early birdies and finish the round before the others [before rain halted play several times in the afternoon]. I was putting well and feeling really great this week after months of poor results,” said the 38-year-old from Songkhla.
“My physical trainer and coach suggested that I be more relaxed this week. I have been in the process of changing my routine, which makes me a bit uncomfortable. It will take quite some time before it yields fruit,” said Attaphon. His mother will travel from Hat Yai to the course this week to support him.
Newly crowned Thailand Open champion Rattanon Wannasrichan remained in contention for back-to-back wins after firing 63 for a total 130 to lie two shots off the lead.
Overnight leader Martin Dive of Australia produced just one birdie for a 69 and an overall score of 131. Local young gun Chanachok Dejpairatan-amongkol, the other first-round leader, was at nine under after six holes. With more than 40 players yet to finish the second round, play will resume this morning at 7am followed by the third-round action.
