The Thai duo of Panuwat Muenlek and Chapchai Nirat broke away
from the chasing pack in the second round at the Pine Valley
Beijing Open as they grabbed a narrow one stroke lead on
Friday.
With birdies in the last two holes, the rookie Panuwat leaped to
the top of the leaderboard with a two-under-par 70 while compatriot
Chapchai battled through a stomach flu as he carded a bogey free 67
for a two day total of eight-under-par 136. American talent John
Daly remained in contention when he shot a 71 in tied fifth place
two strokes off the pace.
Overnight leader from India Gaurav Ghei was even-par for the day
and slipped to tied third position together with Australia's Scott
Strange who fired a 68 at the Pine Valley Golf Resort and Country
Club.
After claiming his maiden win at the TCL Classic in March,
Chapchai has been riding high and with five birdies today, the Thai
talent has inched closer to a second triumph in China.
"I didn't expect to play so well because I had an upset stomach
since Tuesday. I'm still affected by it and I feel weak. My
condition has improved slightly and I hope to ride on my good form
this season," said Chapchai, who birdied the sixth, eighth, 13th,
16th and ended his day with a final birdie on the 18th hole.
"I'm not really sure how I will be tomorrow because my chest and
stomach still hurts but I'll hope for the best.
"I enjoy playing on this course as it suits my style too with
long drives. My driving average is around 290 yards," he added.
Chapchai's friend and compatriot Panuwat enjoyed a good start
when he struck two birdies but he slipped down the ranks after a
double bogey on the 14th hole. But the young rookie displayed
traits of a seasoned player as he bounced back with birdies on the
17th and 18th holes.
"I'm surprised that I am able to cope with players like
Chapchai, John Daly and the other top players," said Panuwat, who
is eager to tee off with Chapchai on Saturday.
"I have played with Chapchai before in local events, we are
friends. We will be talking on course but at the same time focused
on our own game. When I was very young, I used to picture myself
being in this position playing with the leading players and here I
am, so I am very happy.
"The golf course is in good condition, very beautiful but it is
quite long. My strength is my driving and iron play so I hope to
continue my good run of form and stay in the leading pack," added
Panuwat, who won 10 amateur titles on the domestic circuit.
Despite slipping to tied third place, India's Ghei, who is
currently ranked 10th on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit,
remained optimistic ahead of the weekend challenge in the $500,000
event.
"I didn't play too well but to be one shot off is not too bad at
all. I didn't really have a good day and didn't hit the ball well
in the first 11 holes as I was even par. I told myself to just hang
in there. I got my rhythm back after the 11th hole but
unfortunately I didn't make any putts. But I'm pretty happy with my
result overall," said Ghei, who won the Mercuries Taiwan Masters
last year.
Daly, with two Major titles under his belt, was disappointed
with his performance in the second round as he shot six birdies
against five bogeys.
"I am disappointed as I shot too many bogeys but I hope for a
better round tomorrow," said Daly.
"The course was alright but the wind picked up slightly today,
but overall it just wasn't what I expected," he added.
Local hero Liang Wenchong carded a 69 in tied ninth place
alongside Singapore's Mardan Mamat who shot a 70 three strokes off
the lead. China's Zhang Lianwei picked up the pace with a 69 as he
made the cut in joint 40th position alongside South African Anton
Haig, the UBS Order of Merit leader, who improved with a 70.
(China Daily April 28, 2007)
