Luang Prabang, Laos, May 4 - Thaworn Wiratchant’s golden touch brought the inaugural Luang Prabang Laos Open to life today as the gifted Thai golfer shot a sublime second round nine-under-par 63.
In Laos’ first professional golf tournament, Thaworn showed the nation how golf is played at the highest level by opening up a six shot lead from the Bayron brothers Rufino and Jay.
Thaworn made an eagle and seven birdies at Luang Prabang Golf Club in the opening event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
“I missed two short putts for birdie and missed a10 footer for birdie on the 18th,” said a relaxed and confident Thaworn.
Remarkably the 45-year-old is playing his ninth tournament in a row. At the start of the week he said how tired he was but the fatigue seems to have faded as he pulled away from the field.
“I struggled with the greens yesterday but got my feel back today. Six shots is a nice cushion. I can relax a bit tonight,” added Thaworn.
He leads the tournament on 12-under-par 132. His eagle came on the par-five sixth.
Thaworn is no stranger to success on the ASEAN PGA Tour having won the Heritage Melaka Classic in 2009 and the Singha Esan Open the following year.
During a brilliant career he has won 15 regional titles and seems determined to collect more.
Rufino Bayron, who held the first round lead with a 66, shot a second round 72 while elder brother Jay came in with a 67.
“I am happy that I shot a steady 72. It is difficult to shoot a good round after a low round,” said Rufino Bayron.
The Bayron brothers are both looking for their first win on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Jay Bayron has finished runner up on numerous occasions and looks set for another good finish this weekend.
He said: “I am definitely due a win but it could be difficult with the way Thaworn is playing.”
Thailand’s Kwanchai Tannin, Tanatchan Puaktes and Sattaya Sapuppramai are a stroke further behind after firing rounds Of 66, 69 and 71 respectively.
Indonesia's Benny Kasiadi shot 7 birdies and 4 bogeys on his way to a strong 69, going into the weekend tied in 20th place. He will be joined by countryman George Gandranata who just made the cut with a second round 74.
Leading second round scores:
Par 72
132 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 69 63
138 - Rufino Bayron (PHI) 66 72, Jay Bayron (PHI) 71 67
139 - Sattaya Sapuppramai (THA) 68 71, Kwanchai Tannin (THA) 73 66, Tanatchan Puaktes (THA) 70 69
141 - Guido Van Der Valk (HOL) 70 71, Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 70 71
142 - Pasamet Pogamnerd (THA)72 70, Koh Dengshan (SIN) 71 71, Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 69 73, Philip Matsson (THA) 71 71, Poosit Supupramai (THA) 73 69
Selected:
145 - Benny Kasiadi (INA) 76 69
151 - George Gandranata (INA) 77 74
Missed cut:
161 - Abdul Aziz Hartanto (INA) 79 82
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