Gowa, November 15 - Thailand’s Apichart Papitak maintained his lead at the halfway mark of the US$100,000 Gowa Classic today.
He carded a two-under-par 70 at Padivalley Golf Club to move to five-under for the tournament, which is the penultimate event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang is in second place, two shots behind, after also carding a 70.
First round leader Apichart, starting on the 10th, got off to a poor start and was three over after seven holes.
However, the 24-year-old stormed back into contention by making a birdie on the 18th followed by birdies on two, four, five and seven.
“I am just trying to play steady golf,” said Apichart, who turned professional in 2010.
“This is turning out to be one of my best tournaments and I am very excited to be in this position.”
His best finish on the ASEAN PGA Tour came in last year’s Sabah Masters when he tied for sixth.
Apichart enjoyed an impressive amateur career which was highlighted by being part of the Thai team that triumphed in the 2009 Putra Cup.
He had the privilege of being taught to play golf at the age of 12 by the great Boonchu Ruangkit at the Royal Army Course.
Inclement weather caused a two hour and 15 minutes delay mid way thru the round.
Choo was on the green of his last hole facing an eagle putt when players were called off the course. He returned later and two putted for a birdie, for his third birdie on the trot.
The rookie is still on a high after a fine performance in last week’s Barclays Singapore Open - where he made the cut and earned a cheque for US$19,200.
Said Choo: “My game has been up and down this year. It is because of my mental game. I have been trying too hard and putting pressure on myself. I have not been letting things go naturally. Last week was a big confidence boost for me. Playing on a hard course with the big guys gave me a mental boost.”
Lying in a tie for third place four shots off the lead are Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, Chawinroj Krobteeranon, Annop Tangkamolprasert, and Pravee Visalkit and Malaysian Kenneth De Silva and George Gandranata from Indonesia.
The Gowa Classic is the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Gowa is located on the perimeter of Makassar.
Leading second round scores:
139 - Apichart Papitak (THA) 69 70
141 - Choo Tze Huang (SIN) 71 70
143 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 70, Kenneth De Silva (MAS) 72 71, George Gandranata (INA) 71 72, Chawinroj Krobteeranon (THA) 72 71, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 70, Pravee Visalkit (THA) 72 71
144 - Benny Kasiadi (INA) 73 71, Choengchai Panpumpo (THA) 70 74, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 73 71
145 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 73 72, Wittawat Sae-Ung (THA) 71 74
147 - Varit Chomchalam (THA) 76 71, Tanatchan Puaktes (THA) 76 71, Johannes Dermawan (INA) 74 73, Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 77 70, Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 74 73
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