Kiradech Uncertain to Play in Hua Hin Due to Back Injury.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s chance to defend his crown at this week’s US$115,770 Thongchai Jaidee Foundation in Hua Hin looked uncertain due to the recurring back injury that affected his form in the recently concluded World Cup of Golf.
Teaming with Thongchai who was also not 100 per cent physically, Kiradech and the Kingdom’s No 1 player failed to make impression in Melbourne and signed off with 6-under-par 286, 14 strokes behind the wining team of Soren Kjeldsen and Thorbjorn Olesen from Denmark, at tied 19th.
The world No 81 said playing five weeks nonstop has taken a toll on him and may make a decision not to take part in the Asian Development tour event which he won last year with a total 24-under-par 264.
“The back injury is bothering me again because I have been playing consecutive weeks. I’m not sure if my body will allow me to compete in Hua Hin. If I feel better, I’m going to play for sure as I really want to compete in the event,” said Kiradech who just arrived Bangkok Monday’s afternoon from Australia.
“I feel the pain especially when I hit the iron. I don’t dare to hit full swing at the moment. Both Thongchai and I are not physically OK and that’s why we didn’t have good results in the World Cup,” said Kiradech who will consult with a doctor if he should compete or rest.
With three events on the European Tour in Queensland, Japan Tour and Asian Tour (in India) going on this week, several local rising stars including Pavit Tangkamolprasert, Phachara Kongwatmai and Danthai Boonma as well as the elites like Prayad Marksang and Thaworn Wiratchant skip this first of the two ADT events in Thailand (the other is Boonchu Ruangkit Championship in December).
However veteran Udorn Duangdecha, who is leading both on the Thai PGA Tour and Singha All Thailand Tour on the Order of Merits standings and young gun Thanyakorn Krongpha will carry Thai hopes into the event.
Thanyakorn, from Khon Kaen, will resume his actions after five weeks of back injury layoff at the Black Mountain Golf Club.
“I want to test myself in five weeks. The course suits my game. I finished joint eighth last year so I really look forwards for a great week in Hua Hin,” said Thanyakorn winner of the All Thailand Tour event in the Lamchabang International Country Club in September.
A total of 144 players will take part in the tournament. The field will consists of 24 invite spots, which includes the man himself, while the remaining 120 spots will be split equally between the ADT and the All Thailand Golf Tour.
