Sadom’s rising confidence lifts him to the top again
Rising star Sadom Kaewkanjana continued his impressive form to shoot an opening 67 and take a share in a six-way lead after the first round of the Bt5 million Singha Masters in Chiang Rai on Thursday.
Poom Saksansin
Three weeks after winning his first title as a pro at an ADT event in Lopburi, Sadom was in flawless form and reeled off five birdies in his five-under-par round at Santiburi Country Club.
The 20-year-old from Narathiwat shares the lead with 2014 champion Poom Saksansin, fellow former international (Thai-Japanese) player Kosuke Hamamoto, one-time Asian Tour winner Danthai Boonma, Piya Swangarunporn and American Sam Chien.
“I tried not to make bogeys. The course sets up pretty tough this week with firm greens and long roughs,” said the tour rookie from Narathiwat.
“My game plan for Friday is to hit the fairways, then go for the greens and try to shoot scores,” added the softly spoken Sadom, who arrived at the northern town with confidence sky-high after his win at the ADT Thongchai Jaidee Foundation last month.
“I feel more confident after winning that title,” Sadom admitted. “I only expected to start with [a round of] one or two under but I hit five. I will stick with the same game plan and be very careful over the next three days.”
Three-time Asian Tour winner Poom, the world No 155, also had an unblemished scorecard highlighted by an eagle on the 13th hole and three birdies.
“I didn’t hit my driver well but luckily my putting really helped me out there. The greens are quite firm. I need to hit the fairways more tomorrow in order to set up the ball in good positions,” said Poom one of the three top 200 players to join the field this week. The others are No 127 John Catlin of the US, who opened with a 70, and No 163 Suengsu Han of the US, who started with a 76.
Defending champion Phachara Kongwtamai, 19, was up and down all day before signing off with a 71, four shy of the lead.
