Prayad Catches Fire On the Back Nine to Lead By One
Chiang Mai - Defending champion Prayad Marksaeng bounced back from a dismal front nine to fire six birdies for a second round 66 to maintain his lead in the Bt2 million Singha Chiang Mai Open at the Mae Jo Golf Resort and Spa on Friday.
The veteran, who shot an opening round 61, committed an early bogey on the 10th, where he teed off, and was content to par the holes. But on the back nine he caught fire by scoring six birdies and signed off with a 15underpar 127.
“Overall it was a good round although I didn’t shoot birdies on par-five holes. I didn’t hit the irons well but my putts and my driver were good. The overnight rain made the fairways a bit wet, which made it difficult to control the ball,” said Prayad who has a one shot advantage over Poosit Supupramai, winner of the Thailand PGA Tour title in Kanchanaburi three years ago. The 50-yearold Prayad is confident of retaining his crown at the par71, 6,561yard course.
“Although the boys are trying to catch up with me, I think I have 80 per cent chance of winning again. But hopefully there won’t be any rain to soak the fairways again,” said Prayad, in search of his second All Thailand Tour title following victory at the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course in May.
Poosit, 22, younger brother of Sattaya Supupramai, the midway leader at the King’s Cup last week, produced a bogey free round of 62 for a total 14underpar 128.
“I kept my momentum very well today. Even there was a break due to lighting, I came back to hit a birdie and saved pars in the last two holes,” said Poosit from Nakhon Pathom.
“I never play alongside Prayad in the leading squad before. But I will try not to get excited by that. I need to stay focused and play shot by shot.” added Poosit who was followed two shots by Raththee Sirithanakunsak who hit a 63 and Settee Prakongvech, with a 63.
Natthapong Niyomchon, 28 year-old from Nakhon Sawan, had a bogey free round 64 which placed him at lone fifth with 11-under-par 131.
“I putted very well today especially a 15-yard birdie chip on the 14 th hole. On the 8th hole I teed off to the pool but still managed to save par. Four shots behind the lead is not that big and I believe I’m still in contention,” said Natthapong, winner of the opening leg of the Thailand PGA Tour in Hua Hin in May.
Meanwhile, Wanchana Poruangrong defended her title in the Bt800,000 Singha SAT Thailand LPGA Championship, presented by Toyota, after carding a final round 70 to beat Kanphanitnan Muangkhumsakul by one shot at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Country Club.
