Injured Kiradech still hopes to win – but it’ll be a stretch
Chonburi - Tournament favourite Kiradech Aphibarnrat defied an ongoing back injury to fire a brave second-round 71 but still fell a stroke behind halfway leader Pannakorn Uthaipas at the Bt4 million Thongchai Jaidee Foundation yesterday.
Kiradech, who strained his lower back during Thursday’s opening round, sank four birdies against three bogeys before signing off with a 71 for a halfway total of eight under-par-136 in the co-sanctioned All Thailand Tour and Asian Development Tour event.
“I made three bogeys that I shouldn’t have had just because of some wrong decisions. I was unable to play as well as I wished because I was not 100 per cent physically,” said the world No 60, whose last victory was at the same tournament in Hua Hin two years ago.
“Overall the condition of my back was not so bad. I still felt some stiffness and had to do stretching. However I’m still confident with my shots and hope to make some good putts during the weekend,” added the 28-year-old Thai No 1.
Pannakorn, a year younger than the Thai ace, highlighted his round with a 135-yard-eagle putt on the fourth hole plus four birdies against back-to-back bogeys on the 11th and 12th holes for a second round 68 to lead the midway stage with a combined nine under-par-135.
“I still hit the tee shots well but missed several short putts. The eagle shot really helped me get into momentum,” said Pannakorn, who still has his eyes firmly fixed on the year-end ADT Order of Merit award.
“My concern is to be the ADT No 1 this year – but I’d be happy to win here this week as well,” he said.
