NANSHAN, China, October 11 - Defending champion Liang Wenchong fired an extraordinary eight-under-par 64 on Friday to share the lead with countryman Zhang Xinjun (67) and New Zealander Gareth Paddison (69) after two rounds of OneAsia's U.S. $1 million Nanshan China Masters.
The trio are six under around the 6,784-metre (7,419-yard) Montgomerie Course at Nanshan International Golf Club, two shots ahead of former Open champion Darren Clarke (68) and Indonesian Rory Hie, who holed 8 birdies on his way to a fantastic 65.
Liang started with an eagle and added ten birdies to his scorecard, finishing with five-in-a-row after earlier bogeying four holes. Playing the course back-to-front, he needed just 22 putts for his round.
Alongside Liang, South African Charl Schwartzel -- the 2011 U.S. Masters champion -- shot 71 to stand at one under, tied for 12th.
"I was putting very well, but my driving was also really good today," said Liang, a four-time winner on OneAsia and also the tour's 2010 Order of Merit champion.
The only time Liang has scored more birdies was in the first round of the 2008 Indian Open when he made a dozen for a course-record 60. He went on to win the tournament by a stroke.
Liang ended a two-year winless streak with victory at last year's Nanshan China Masters, and five recent top-ten finishes suggest he is coming back into form at the right time.
"I will try my best this weekend, but there are still two days left and anything can happen."
After playing in perfect conditions in the afternoon, left-handed Paddison said he felt he left a few shots on the course, but was looking forward to playing in the final group on Saturday after a lean spell.
"It's funny, I've never been in this position in a OneAsia event before, tied for the lead after two days, and I sort of feel as if I left a few shots out there," he said.
"It was a bit of a sombre feeling walking off the course, but at the same time being tied for the lead is fantastic."
Zhang, 26, a former security guard who only took up the game in his late teens after being posted to work at a golf club, was also looking forward to playing with his hero Liang.
"Since the 2011 World Cup I haven't played a tournament with him, just a couple of practice rounds. I'm pleased to play with him again and hope to learn from the experience."
Winless since claiming the Claret Jug at Royal St. Georges in 2011, Clarke was delighted to be in contention again despite some issues on the greens.
"Same as yesterday, I left a lot of putts short," he said. "I had 33 putts yesterday and I think I had 33 today. I'm hitting good putts, but I just can't get the speed. I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. Obviously I'm playing nicely and this is one of the times I need to be patient and wait for the putts to drop.
"You always feel pressure if you're in position on the back nine on Sunday, but I've got to get myself in that position first. There's a long way to go before we get there, but I feel as may game is getting back to where I want it."
Schwartzel, fatigued by a hectic schedule that saw him jet in from last weekend's Presidents Cup in Ohio, was full of admiration for Liang's round.
"He one-putted just about every single green. He had a stretch from the fifth to the twelfth where he went nine under in eight holes. I haven't seen that before. Very impressive."
He was less than impressed with his own game, however, although he refused to rule himself out.
"My ball striking has been off for the last two days. I haven't hit it very good and on top of that I putted badly. That's the reason I haven't moved forward.
"The body has taken quite a hammering. I've been on the go since the British Open non-stop, so it's a lot of golf and a lot of traveling, but I don't want to make any excuses. I still fancy my chances. The game is there, but I've just got to click in."
Rookie American Eric Mina, who led by one overnight after opening with a 68, dropped three shots on Friday but was delighted with making his first cut since winning Q-School in California in January.
Korean Kim Bi-o, winner of the inaugural Nanshan China Masters in 2011 and the reigning Order of Merit champion, is two over for the tournament after shooting 71, exactly the same score as Indonesia's seccond player George Gandranata.
The cut was made at six over, meaning 16-year-old amateur Dou Zecheng will play the weekend in his second OneAsia tournament having also achieved the feat at the Volvo China Open in May.
Scores after round two of the Nanshan China Masters being played at the par 72, 6,784-metre Montgomerie Course at the Nanshan International Golf Club:
138 - LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 74-64, ZHANG Xin-jun (CHN) 71-67, Gareth PADDISON (NZL) 69-69
140 - Rory HIE (INA) 75-65, Darren CLARKE (NIR) 72-68
141 - Scott STRANGE (AUS) 72-69, Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) 71-70, Michael WRIGHT (AUS) 75-66
142 - Brad SHILTON (NZL) 73-69, Garrett SAPP (USA) 71-71, Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 72-70
Selected:
146 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-71
Friday, October 11, 2013
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Slow Starts For Rory Hie And George Gandranata At Nanshan China Masters
NANSHAN, China, Oct 10 - American rookie Eric Mina, winner of OneAsia's California Q-School in January, fired a brilliant four-under-par 68 on Thursday to grab a one-shot clubhouse lead in the first round of the U.S. $1 million Nanshan China Masters.
Play was suspended because of bad light with 14 golfers still to finish, but strong winds around the links-style Montgomerie Course at Nanshan International Golf Club played havoc with the scoring and only 14 players were under par.
Brazil's Lucas Lee, New Zealander Gareth Paddison and U.S.-based Korean Ted Oh shared second place after shooting 69, while Major winners Charl Schwartzel (71) and Darren Clarke (72) remain well in the hunt.
"I'm really happy. I controlled the ball very well," said Mina, who romped to a five-stroke victory at Q-School in January after turning professional just six months earlier.
That win gave him a start in all OneAsia's events, but the 25-year-old -- who had never previously traveled outside the United States -- struggled to find his feet and he has missed every cut so far.
"The first four tournaments were just a learning experience for me," said Mina, whose mother hails from the Philippines and father is an American-born Filipino.
"The season break motivated me to work harder. I was kind of down, so I took a little break and was able to get my game back. I feel my game is in a lot better shape now than what it was in March. I just wasn't experienced, but I had a really good three months with my coach."
The only blemish on Mina's scorecard was a double-bogey on the 16th -- he played the course back-to-front -- but he more than made up for it with six birdies including one made with a monster 60-foot putt on the sixth.
"This is going to be a learn-on-the-job experience. I'm really excited for the next few days," he said.
Lee, 26, a product of OneAsia's 2012 Q-School, also credited a hot putter for his excellent round.
"I've been playing pretty decent all summer. Nothing too crazy, but nothing too bad," he said of a recent stint on the Canada Tour.
"I was really excited to be coming back to Asia and play these next few tournaments."
Paddison too has been happy with his form despite missing the cut a fortnight ago at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
"I played really good … lots of really good iron shots," the left-hander said.
"I had numerous chances out there and it could have been a few better. Holing the putts when it mattered was also a key."
Clarke, the 2011 Open Champion, said he was very impressed with the leaders.
"They've obviously played well and rolled the ball well," the Northern Irishman said. "I was surprised coming up the last to see those scores. That's a great effort. Fair play to them.
"It was tricky out there today … the wind was pumping on a few holes. Some of the par fours played exceptionally long due to the wind and there's not much run out there, so I'm pretty pleased with level par."
Defending champion Liang Wenchong shot a 74 while Kim Bi-o, winner of the inaugural Nanshan China Masters in 2011 and last year's Order of Merit, was a shot further back, together with Indonesia's Rory Hie and George Gandranata.
The leading Chinese player is Li Haotong who has a share of fifth place after going two under for the day.
Scores after round one, with 14 players still to finish round one as it was suspended due to bad light, at the Nanshan China Masters being played at the par 72, 6,784-metre Montgomerie Course at the Nanshan International Golf Club:
68 - Eric MINA (USA)
69 - Lucas LEE (BRA), Gareth PADDISON (NZL), Ted OH (KOR)
70 - PARK Bae-jong (KOR), LI Hao-tong (CHN), Scott LAYCOCK (AUS)
71 - ZHANG Xin-jun (CHN), Terry PILKADARIS (AUS), Garrett SAPP (USA), Charl SCHWARTZEL (RSA), Mark BROWN (NZL)
Selected:
75 - Rory HIE (INA), George GANDRANATA (INA)
Play was suspended because of bad light with 14 golfers still to finish, but strong winds around the links-style Montgomerie Course at Nanshan International Golf Club played havoc with the scoring and only 14 players were under par.
Brazil's Lucas Lee, New Zealander Gareth Paddison and U.S.-based Korean Ted Oh shared second place after shooting 69, while Major winners Charl Schwartzel (71) and Darren Clarke (72) remain well in the hunt.
"I'm really happy. I controlled the ball very well," said Mina, who romped to a five-stroke victory at Q-School in January after turning professional just six months earlier.
That win gave him a start in all OneAsia's events, but the 25-year-old -- who had never previously traveled outside the United States -- struggled to find his feet and he has missed every cut so far.
"The first four tournaments were just a learning experience for me," said Mina, whose mother hails from the Philippines and father is an American-born Filipino.
"The season break motivated me to work harder. I was kind of down, so I took a little break and was able to get my game back. I feel my game is in a lot better shape now than what it was in March. I just wasn't experienced, but I had a really good three months with my coach."
The only blemish on Mina's scorecard was a double-bogey on the 16th -- he played the course back-to-front -- but he more than made up for it with six birdies including one made with a monster 60-foot putt on the sixth.
"This is going to be a learn-on-the-job experience. I'm really excited for the next few days," he said.
Lee, 26, a product of OneAsia's 2012 Q-School, also credited a hot putter for his excellent round.
"I've been playing pretty decent all summer. Nothing too crazy, but nothing too bad," he said of a recent stint on the Canada Tour.
"I was really excited to be coming back to Asia and play these next few tournaments."
Paddison too has been happy with his form despite missing the cut a fortnight ago at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
"I played really good … lots of really good iron shots," the left-hander said.
"I had numerous chances out there and it could have been a few better. Holing the putts when it mattered was also a key."
Clarke, the 2011 Open Champion, said he was very impressed with the leaders.
"They've obviously played well and rolled the ball well," the Northern Irishman said. "I was surprised coming up the last to see those scores. That's a great effort. Fair play to them.
"It was tricky out there today … the wind was pumping on a few holes. Some of the par fours played exceptionally long due to the wind and there's not much run out there, so I'm pretty pleased with level par."
Defending champion Liang Wenchong shot a 74 while Kim Bi-o, winner of the inaugural Nanshan China Masters in 2011 and last year's Order of Merit, was a shot further back, together with Indonesia's Rory Hie and George Gandranata.
The leading Chinese player is Li Haotong who has a share of fifth place after going two under for the day.
Scores after round one, with 14 players still to finish round one as it was suspended due to bad light, at the Nanshan China Masters being played at the par 72, 6,784-metre Montgomerie Course at the Nanshan International Golf Club:
68 - Eric MINA (USA)
69 - Lucas LEE (BRA), Gareth PADDISON (NZL), Ted OH (KOR)
70 - PARK Bae-jong (KOR), LI Hao-tong (CHN), Scott LAYCOCK (AUS)
71 - ZHANG Xin-jun (CHN), Terry PILKADARIS (AUS), Garrett SAPP (USA), Charl SCHWARTZEL (RSA), Mark BROWN (NZL)
Selected:
75 - Rory HIE (INA), George GANDRANATA (INA)
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Another Top 20 Finish For Rory Hie At Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open
Osaka, September 29 - Japanese young gun Masahiro Kawamura outclassed Koreans Y.E. Yang and Park Sung-joon to win his first career victory at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open on Sunday.
The 20-year-old Kawamura overturned a two-shot deficit with a battling four-under-par 67 to claim a one-shot win over Park, who returned with a 70, at the Y150 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Yang, an Asian Tour honorary member and Asia’s first male Major champion, almost won another title in Japan since 2006 before a triple bogey on 11 dashed his title hopes at the Ibaraki Country Club.
He settled for third after returning with a 69 while Liang Wen-chong (68) of China, the 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Brad Kennedy (70) of Australia and Akio Sadakata (71) of Japan finished a further two shots back in tied fourth.
The slightly built Kawamura turned in 36 but recovered with a sensational back nine highlighted by important birdies on 17 and 18 to end his campaign on nine-under-par 275.
Indonesia's top player Rory Hie (73) had to concede two more places to finish in a tie for 16th. Once more he double bogeyed the par-4 11th ending the tournament at 1-over-par.
Interview with Rory Hie after round 4 of the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open
The victory capped a bittersweet season for the young Japanese as he had struggled with a thumb injury earlier in the year which resulted in seven missed cuts in nine appearances on home soil.
“This win is really big. Obviously it is the biggest thing to happen in my career. Now I get to play in Japan and on the Asian Tour as well. I’m sure it will brighten my future and help me improve,” said Kawamura, who pocketed approximately US$306,779.
“I injured my left thumb earlier in the year and I really struggled with that. It was frustrating so I’m glad that I bounced back from that injury and win!” he smiled.
Park needed a birdie on the last to force a playoff but misjudged his 10 feet putt. The Korean, who has yet to miss a cut in Japan this season, said the turning point came when he three putted for bogey on 16 and dropped another shot on the next hole.
“Maybe next time I will have better luck. I’m still playing okay so that’s the positive I can take back from this week,” said Park who capped his fourth runner-up result in Japan this season.
Yang, who defeated Tiger Woods at the 2009 US PGA Championship, recovered from a triple bogey on 11 with three straight birdies from 13 but it was not enough to edge Kawamura.
“I played good. I only missed my drive on the 11th hole and dropped three shots there. My game is in great shape at the moment and I’m happy with where it is heading,” said the 41-year-old Yang.
Liang, a two-time Asian Tour winner, secured his second consecutive top-five result in Japan after trading five birdies against two bogeys.
“I just made two mental mistakes in my round. I think I did well. I’m glad with my perfoYe-yan2rmances in these last two weeks. I wanted to gain more confidence from this week and I did. I think it will really help me heading into the end of the season,” said Liang.
Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand, the second round leader at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, struggled to a 77 to finish tied 22nd.
Scores after round 4 of the 2013 Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Panasonic being played at the par 71, 7328 Yards Ibaraki Country Club course:
275 – Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 69-68-71-67
276 – PARK Sung-Joon (KOR) 71-67-68-70
277 – Y.E. YANG (KOR) 71-68-69-69
279 – LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 73-71-67-68, Brad KENNEDY (AUS) 72-66-71-70, Akio SADAKATA (JPN) 75-65-68-71
281 – Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 72-67-71-71, Kazuhiro YAMASHITA (JPN) 73-67-70-71
282 – LEE Kyoung-hoon (KOR) 70-73-69-70
283 – Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA) 72-69-74-68, Joonas GRANBERG (FIN) 73-72-72-66
284 – Han LEE (USA) 71-72-72-69, LU Wei-chih (TPE) 72-71-71-70, Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 70-73-71-70, Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN) 71-66-71-76
285 – Masanori KOBAYASHI (JPN) 74-67-75-69, S.K. HO (KOR) 71-70-74-70, Katsumasa MIYAMOTO (JPN) 73-69-73-70, Rory HIE (INA) 69-69-74-73, David OH (USA) 75-67-69-74, SONG Young-han (KOR) 69-69-71-76
The 20-year-old Kawamura overturned a two-shot deficit with a battling four-under-par 67 to claim a one-shot win over Park, who returned with a 70, at the Y150 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Yang, an Asian Tour honorary member and Asia’s first male Major champion, almost won another title in Japan since 2006 before a triple bogey on 11 dashed his title hopes at the Ibaraki Country Club.
He settled for third after returning with a 69 while Liang Wen-chong (68) of China, the 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Brad Kennedy (70) of Australia and Akio Sadakata (71) of Japan finished a further two shots back in tied fourth.
The slightly built Kawamura turned in 36 but recovered with a sensational back nine highlighted by important birdies on 17 and 18 to end his campaign on nine-under-par 275.
Indonesia's top player Rory Hie (73) had to concede two more places to finish in a tie for 16th. Once more he double bogeyed the par-4 11th ending the tournament at 1-over-par.
Interview with Rory Hie after round 4 of the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open
The victory capped a bittersweet season for the young Japanese as he had struggled with a thumb injury earlier in the year which resulted in seven missed cuts in nine appearances on home soil.
“This win is really big. Obviously it is the biggest thing to happen in my career. Now I get to play in Japan and on the Asian Tour as well. I’m sure it will brighten my future and help me improve,” said Kawamura, who pocketed approximately US$306,779.
“I injured my left thumb earlier in the year and I really struggled with that. It was frustrating so I’m glad that I bounced back from that injury and win!” he smiled.
Park needed a birdie on the last to force a playoff but misjudged his 10 feet putt. The Korean, who has yet to miss a cut in Japan this season, said the turning point came when he three putted for bogey on 16 and dropped another shot on the next hole.
“Maybe next time I will have better luck. I’m still playing okay so that’s the positive I can take back from this week,” said Park who capped his fourth runner-up result in Japan this season.
Yang, who defeated Tiger Woods at the 2009 US PGA Championship, recovered from a triple bogey on 11 with three straight birdies from 13 but it was not enough to edge Kawamura.
“I played good. I only missed my drive on the 11th hole and dropped three shots there. My game is in great shape at the moment and I’m happy with where it is heading,” said the 41-year-old Yang.
Liang, a two-time Asian Tour winner, secured his second consecutive top-five result in Japan after trading five birdies against two bogeys.
“I just made two mental mistakes in my round. I think I did well. I’m glad with my perfoYe-yan2rmances in these last two weeks. I wanted to gain more confidence from this week and I did. I think it will really help me heading into the end of the season,” said Liang.
Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand, the second round leader at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, struggled to a 77 to finish tied 22nd.
Scores after round 4 of the 2013 Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Panasonic being played at the par 71, 7328 Yards Ibaraki Country Club course:
275 – Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 69-68-71-67
276 – PARK Sung-Joon (KOR) 71-67-68-70
277 – Y.E. YANG (KOR) 71-68-69-69
279 – LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 73-71-67-68, Brad KENNEDY (AUS) 72-66-71-70, Akio SADAKATA (JPN) 75-65-68-71
281 – Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 72-67-71-71, Kazuhiro YAMASHITA (JPN) 73-67-70-71
282 – LEE Kyoung-hoon (KOR) 70-73-69-70
283 – Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA) 72-69-74-68, Joonas GRANBERG (FIN) 73-72-72-66
284 – Han LEE (USA) 71-72-72-69, LU Wei-chih (TPE) 72-71-71-70, Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 70-73-71-70, Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN) 71-66-71-76
285 – Masanori KOBAYASHI (JPN) 74-67-75-69, S.K. HO (KOR) 71-70-74-70, Katsumasa MIYAMOTO (JPN) 73-69-73-70, Rory HIE (INA) 69-69-74-73, David OH (USA) 75-67-69-74, SONG Young-han (KOR) 69-69-71-76
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Rory Falls Back At Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open
Osaka, September 28 - Park Sung-joon of Korea continued his formidable form after shooting a third round three-under-par 68 to charge into a two-shot lead at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open on Saturday.
The slightly-built Korean, who has not missed a single cut in Japan this season, overcame the tough playing conditions with four birdies against one bogey for a seven-under-par 206 at the Ibaraki Country Club.
Asian Tour honorary member and Asia’s first male Major champion Y.E. Yang of Korea sank a 15 footer eagle putt on the last for a 69 to share second place with Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka (71), Masahiro Kawamura (71) and Akio Sadakata (68).
Overnight leader Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand slipped back to tied sixth after posting a disappointing 74 to trail Park by three shots at the Y150 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Rory Hie of Indonesia had a round of 74 as well, which saw him drop van share of 5th to a share of 14th, 6 shots off the lead. With 2 bogeys on the front nine and a double bogey on 11th, he was in for a beating, but he was able to recover himself with a birdie on 13th to finish if it off with a bogey-birdie combo.
Park has enjoyed a wonderful season in Japan after changing to a new putter earlier this year which resulted in him winning in September and posting three other runner-up finishes.
“I struggled with my putting last year and I changed to the mallet putter and it really helped me out. I started off well in the season and that gave me a lot of confidence,” said the 27-year-old Park.
“It is going to be another day and another 18 holes. I just got to focus on my game. It doesn’t matter who I’m playing against. I’m feeling pretty comfortable with my game so I should be good,” he added.
Yang, who defeated Tiger Woods at the 2009 US PGA Championship, was even-par after 17 holes but produced a grandstand finish when his pinpoint approach shot landed 15-feet from the hole.
“I only played good for 18 holes but I’m still happy! The wind was blowing quite strongly but my swing has been the same. I think I have a good chance. Park is playing good but I’m only two shots back,” said Yang, who is making his debut at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open.
Pariya, a two-time Asian Tour winner, struggled to take advantage of his opening two birdies when he returned with five bogeys including three straight dropped shots from the eighth hole.
“I guess I tried to push it a little bit too much after making early birdies. It is a lesson to learn. I won’t do anything differently except stay patient. If I shoot three or four-under, maybe it might get me to the top,” said the 29-year-old Pariya.
Scores after round 3 of the 2013 Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Panasonic being played at the par 71, 7328 Yards Ibaraki Country Club course:
206 – PARK Sung-Joon (KOR) 71-67-68
208 – Akio SADAKATA (JPN) 75-65-68, Y.E. YANG (KOR) 71-68-69, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 69-68-71, Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN) 71-66-71
209 – Brad KENNEDY (AUS) 72-66-71, SONG Young-han (KOR) 69-69-71, Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 65-70-74
210 – Kazuhiro YAMASHITA (JPN) 73-67-70, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 72-67-71
211 – David OH (USA) 75-67-69, LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 73-71-67, Yoshikazu HAKU (JPN) 72-66-73
212 – LEE Kyoung-hoon (KOR) 70-73-69, Koumei ODA (JPN) 70-71-71, Rory HIE (INA) 69-69-74
The slightly-built Korean, who has not missed a single cut in Japan this season, overcame the tough playing conditions with four birdies against one bogey for a seven-under-par 206 at the Ibaraki Country Club.
Asian Tour honorary member and Asia’s first male Major champion Y.E. Yang of Korea sank a 15 footer eagle putt on the last for a 69 to share second place with Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka (71), Masahiro Kawamura (71) and Akio Sadakata (68).
Overnight leader Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand slipped back to tied sixth after posting a disappointing 74 to trail Park by three shots at the Y150 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Rory Hie of Indonesia had a round of 74 as well, which saw him drop van share of 5th to a share of 14th, 6 shots off the lead. With 2 bogeys on the front nine and a double bogey on 11th, he was in for a beating, but he was able to recover himself with a birdie on 13th to finish if it off with a bogey-birdie combo.
Park has enjoyed a wonderful season in Japan after changing to a new putter earlier this year which resulted in him winning in September and posting three other runner-up finishes.
“I struggled with my putting last year and I changed to the mallet putter and it really helped me out. I started off well in the season and that gave me a lot of confidence,” said the 27-year-old Park.
“It is going to be another day and another 18 holes. I just got to focus on my game. It doesn’t matter who I’m playing against. I’m feeling pretty comfortable with my game so I should be good,” he added.
Yang, who defeated Tiger Woods at the 2009 US PGA Championship, was even-par after 17 holes but produced a grandstand finish when his pinpoint approach shot landed 15-feet from the hole.
“I only played good for 18 holes but I’m still happy! The wind was blowing quite strongly but my swing has been the same. I think I have a good chance. Park is playing good but I’m only two shots back,” said Yang, who is making his debut at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open.
Pariya, a two-time Asian Tour winner, struggled to take advantage of his opening two birdies when he returned with five bogeys including three straight dropped shots from the eighth hole.
“I guess I tried to push it a little bit too much after making early birdies. It is a lesson to learn. I won’t do anything differently except stay patient. If I shoot three or four-under, maybe it might get me to the top,” said the 29-year-old Pariya.
Scores after round 3 of the 2013 Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Panasonic being played at the par 71, 7328 Yards Ibaraki Country Club course:
206 – PARK Sung-Joon (KOR) 71-67-68
208 – Akio SADAKATA (JPN) 75-65-68, Y.E. YANG (KOR) 71-68-69, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 69-68-71, Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN) 71-66-71
209 – Brad KENNEDY (AUS) 72-66-71, SONG Young-han (KOR) 69-69-71, Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 65-70-74
210 – Kazuhiro YAMASHITA (JPN) 73-67-70, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 72-67-71
211 – David OH (USA) 75-67-69, LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 73-71-67, Yoshikazu HAKU (JPN) 72-66-73
212 – LEE Kyoung-hoon (KOR) 70-73-69, Koumei ODA (JPN) 70-71-71, Rory HIE (INA) 69-69-74
Indonesia Woos Qatar Travellers To Visit Jakarta
The Jakarta City Government Tourism and Culture Office is promoting Jakarta in the Middle East as a tourist destination with golf as one of the main attractions. Read more here.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Rory Hie Maintains Pace At Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open
Osaka, September 27 - Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand soared into the lead after the halfway stage of the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open when he sank a clutch birdie putt on the last hole on Friday.
The Thai, who started from the 10th tee, struggled to get his round going and needed a 15 footer birdie putt to send him to the top of the leaderboard at the Ibaraki Country Club.
He posted a one-under-par 70 to hold a one-shot lead from overnight leader Shingo Katayama of Japan, who struggled to a 73 at the Y150 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan, who won the 2011 Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, battled to a 66 to share third position with Masahiro Kawamura. Rory Hie (69) of Indonesia was a further shot back alongside Young Han Song (69) of Korea, Yoshikazu Haku (66) of Japan and Brad Kennedy (66) of Australia.
Pariya, ranked 15th on the Order of Merit, bogeyed three and six to slip down the leaderboard but bounced back brilliantly after some coaxing from his caddy.
“I left three or four putts short in my round, so on the last hole my caddy told me that I needed to hole the putt or he will throw me in the water! I thought I had left it short again but luckily it trickled into the hole,” Pariya laughed.
The Thai admits that he did not play spectacular golf on an ideal scoring day but was delighted to stay on track for a third Asian Tour win.
“It was a bit of a struggling round. I couldn’t get anything going. I didn’t do anything spectacular but I birdied the last hole (15 feet) so all was forgiven! I’m still in the mix and in with a chance. I’m a bit disappointed but not as much because I’m still up there,” he said.
Katayama, holder of 26 titles in Japan, failed to emulate his opening round magic when he stumbled to a 73 which included three birdies and five bogeys.
“I have no idea what happened. Yesterday I had a good round and I was feeling great but today it was just so bad. It is always tougher to play in the afternoon but I guess I need to hold my head high and look forward to the next two days,” said Katayama.
Indonesia’s Hie made four birdies in 12 holes but made bogeys on holes 15 and 16. He nearly dropped more shots on the last but saved the round with a splendid par save from the greenside bunker.
“I flopped my shot in the bunker and the ball ended up in the bunker again! I hit my next shot and holed it. That was an easy par!” joked Hie.
The halfway cut was set at three-over-par 145 with a total of 60 players making the weekend rounds.
Scores after round 2 of the 2013 Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Panasonic being played at the par 71, 7328 Yards Ibaraki Country Club course:
135 – Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 65-70
136 – Shingo KATAYAMA (JPN) 63-73
137 – Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN) 71-66, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 69-68
138 – SONG Young-han (KOR) 69-69, Yoshikazu HAKU (JPN) 72-66, Rory HIE (INA) 69-69, Brad KENNEDY (AUS) 72-66, PARK Sung-Joon (KOR) 71-67
139 – LIU Yanwei (am, CHN) 72-67, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 72-67, Kazuhiko HOSOKAWA (JPN) 71-68, Y.E. YANG (KOR) 71-68, Michio MATSUMURA (JPN) 70-69
The Thai, who started from the 10th tee, struggled to get his round going and needed a 15 footer birdie putt to send him to the top of the leaderboard at the Ibaraki Country Club.
He posted a one-under-par 70 to hold a one-shot lead from overnight leader Shingo Katayama of Japan, who struggled to a 73 at the Y150 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan, who won the 2011 Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, battled to a 66 to share third position with Masahiro Kawamura. Rory Hie (69) of Indonesia was a further shot back alongside Young Han Song (69) of Korea, Yoshikazu Haku (66) of Japan and Brad Kennedy (66) of Australia.
Pariya, ranked 15th on the Order of Merit, bogeyed three and six to slip down the leaderboard but bounced back brilliantly after some coaxing from his caddy.
“I left three or four putts short in my round, so on the last hole my caddy told me that I needed to hole the putt or he will throw me in the water! I thought I had left it short again but luckily it trickled into the hole,” Pariya laughed.
The Thai admits that he did not play spectacular golf on an ideal scoring day but was delighted to stay on track for a third Asian Tour win.
“It was a bit of a struggling round. I couldn’t get anything going. I didn’t do anything spectacular but I birdied the last hole (15 feet) so all was forgiven! I’m still in the mix and in with a chance. I’m a bit disappointed but not as much because I’m still up there,” he said.
Katayama, holder of 26 titles in Japan, failed to emulate his opening round magic when he stumbled to a 73 which included three birdies and five bogeys.
“I have no idea what happened. Yesterday I had a good round and I was feeling great but today it was just so bad. It is always tougher to play in the afternoon but I guess I need to hold my head high and look forward to the next two days,” said Katayama.
Indonesia’s Hie made four birdies in 12 holes but made bogeys on holes 15 and 16. He nearly dropped more shots on the last but saved the round with a splendid par save from the greenside bunker.
“I flopped my shot in the bunker and the ball ended up in the bunker again! I hit my next shot and holed it. That was an easy par!” joked Hie.
The halfway cut was set at three-over-par 145 with a total of 60 players making the weekend rounds.
Scores after round 2 of the 2013 Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Panasonic being played at the par 71, 7328 Yards Ibaraki Country Club course:
135 – Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 65-70
136 – Shingo KATAYAMA (JPN) 63-73
137 – Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN) 71-66, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 69-68
138 – SONG Young-han (KOR) 69-69, Yoshikazu HAKU (JPN) 72-66, Rory HIE (INA) 69-69, Brad KENNEDY (AUS) 72-66, PARK Sung-Joon (KOR) 71-67
139 – LIU Yanwei (am, CHN) 72-67, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 72-67, Kazuhiko HOSOKAWA (JPN) 71-68, Y.E. YANG (KOR) 71-68, Michio MATSUMURA (JPN) 70-69
Flying Start For Rory Hie In Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open
Osaka, September 26 - Japanese star Shingo Katayama fired a flawless eight-under-par 63 to take a two-shot lead over Thailand’s Pariya Junhasavasdikul in the opening round of the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open on Thursday.
The flamboyant Japanese, known as ‘Cowboy Shingo’ because of his distinctive cowboy hat, got off to a flying start when he birdied the opening three holes before adding five other birdies at the challenging Ibaraki Country Club.
Pariya, who won his second Asian Tour title in Malaysia in June, was equally impressive as he carded three birdies and one eagle in his first six holes before adding two more birdies against one bogey for a 65.
Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura, Song Young-han of Korea and Rory Hie of Indonesia, who missed out on an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year, was a further six shots back from Katayama at the Y150 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Katayama, who has won the Japan Golf Tour money list five times, continued his dominant form as he finished fourth and second in his last two events on home soil.
He has enjoyed much success in his career which includes winning 26 titles on the Japan Golf Tour but not since 2008. He hopes his new found confidence will guide him to another victory.
“I haven’t won in a while but if I do win then it will be like a new me. I won’t say that I’m returning to my best form. It is just a new Shingo Katayama. Now I’m focused on what’s in front of me and hopefully that feeling will last. I do not want to think about the future,” he smiled.
“When I played in the practice round yesterday, I was expecting a tough week because this is a tough course and the wind was blowing so strongly. So I’m quite lucky to shoot such a low score,” added Katayama, who made a 30-yard chip-in birdie on 11.
“I didn’t expect to shoot six-under because the wind was blowing quite strongly even at six in the morning. But when you make birdie, eagle and birdie in the first three holes, it makes things much easier,” said Pariya, who is a licensed pilot.Pariya’s decision to enjoy life and spend more time on quality practice is beginning to pay huge dividends as he continues to soar on the region’s premier Tour which is celebrating its 10th season in 2013.
“If you asked me what I did to improve, I’ll say that I enjoy my life a little bit more. I don’t take golf too seriously anymore. I practice less but put in quality practice instead of quantity,” said the Thai.
Hie sank a clutch eight foot par putt on the last hole to keep his score in the red. The young Indonesian qualified for the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open when he won the Road to Panasonic Open Series in Indonesia.
“I was really impressed with the way I played today. It was fun to play with the two Japanese stars Hideto Tanihara and Hiroyuki Fujita. The course was playing pretty tough. The windy was gutsy but thankfully I had a good caddy with me and we managed to play through it,” said Hie.
“I visited my coach (George Pinnell) in the summer and he helped improve on my putting. It wasn’t technique but more a mental aspect of how to visualize the ball rolling into the hole.”
The prestigious event is hosted by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, Panasonic Corporation and Japan Golf Association.
Scores after round 1 of the 2013 Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Panasonic being played at the par 71, 7328 Yards Ibaraki Country Club course:
63 – Shingo KATAYAMA (JPN)
65 – Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA)
69 – Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN), Rory HIE (INA), SONG Young-han (KOR)
70 – KIM Sung-yoon (KOR), Prayad MARKSAENG (THA), Koumei ODA (JPN), Yoshinori FUJIMOTO (JPN), Michio MATSUMURA (JPN), Koki FURUTA (am, JPN), LEE Kyoung-hoon (KOR), Taichi TESHIMA (JPN)
The flamboyant Japanese, known as ‘Cowboy Shingo’ because of his distinctive cowboy hat, got off to a flying start when he birdied the opening three holes before adding five other birdies at the challenging Ibaraki Country Club.
Pariya, who won his second Asian Tour title in Malaysia in June, was equally impressive as he carded three birdies and one eagle in his first six holes before adding two more birdies against one bogey for a 65.
Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura, Song Young-han of Korea and Rory Hie of Indonesia, who missed out on an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year, was a further six shots back from Katayama at the Y150 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Katayama, who has won the Japan Golf Tour money list five times, continued his dominant form as he finished fourth and second in his last two events on home soil.
He has enjoyed much success in his career which includes winning 26 titles on the Japan Golf Tour but not since 2008. He hopes his new found confidence will guide him to another victory.
“I haven’t won in a while but if I do win then it will be like a new me. I won’t say that I’m returning to my best form. It is just a new Shingo Katayama. Now I’m focused on what’s in front of me and hopefully that feeling will last. I do not want to think about the future,” he smiled.
“When I played in the practice round yesterday, I was expecting a tough week because this is a tough course and the wind was blowing so strongly. So I’m quite lucky to shoot such a low score,” added Katayama, who made a 30-yard chip-in birdie on 11.
“I didn’t expect to shoot six-under because the wind was blowing quite strongly even at six in the morning. But when you make birdie, eagle and birdie in the first three holes, it makes things much easier,” said Pariya, who is a licensed pilot.Pariya’s decision to enjoy life and spend more time on quality practice is beginning to pay huge dividends as he continues to soar on the region’s premier Tour which is celebrating its 10th season in 2013.
“If you asked me what I did to improve, I’ll say that I enjoy my life a little bit more. I don’t take golf too seriously anymore. I practice less but put in quality practice instead of quantity,” said the Thai.
Hie sank a clutch eight foot par putt on the last hole to keep his score in the red. The young Indonesian qualified for the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open when he won the Road to Panasonic Open Series in Indonesia.
“I was really impressed with the way I played today. It was fun to play with the two Japanese stars Hideto Tanihara and Hiroyuki Fujita. The course was playing pretty tough. The windy was gutsy but thankfully I had a good caddy with me and we managed to play through it,” said Hie.
“I visited my coach (George Pinnell) in the summer and he helped improve on my putting. It wasn’t technique but more a mental aspect of how to visualize the ball rolling into the hole.”
The prestigious event is hosted by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, Panasonic Corporation and Japan Golf Association.
Scores after round 1 of the 2013 Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Panasonic being played at the par 71, 7328 Yards Ibaraki Country Club course:
63 – Shingo KATAYAMA (JPN)
65 – Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA)
69 – Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN), Rory HIE (INA), SONG Young-han (KOR)
70 – KIM Sung-yoon (KOR), Prayad MARKSAENG (THA), Koumei ODA (JPN), Yoshinori FUJIMOTO (JPN), Michio MATSUMURA (JPN), Koki FURUTA (am, JPN), LEE Kyoung-hoon (KOR), Taichi TESHIMA (JPN)
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