Luang Prabang, Laos, April 24 - Thailand’s Namchok Tantipokhakul rediscovered some of the form that made him one of his country’s most exciting young players by taking a share of the first round lead today at the US$100,000 Luang Prabang Laos Open.He carded a four-under-par 68 along with compatriot Sutijet Kooratanapisan at Luang Prabang Golf Club – a picturesque venue on the banks of the mighty Mekong River.
Thailand’s Udorn Duangdecha finished a stroke further back in the third event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Namchok, aged 25, first made his name on the ASEAN PGA Tour when he claimed the Order of Merit title back in 2009.
He won twice that year in the Mercedes-Benz Vietnam Masters and the B-Ing Championship in Thailand.
The following year he came narrowly close to recording big victories after finishing joint second in the 2010 Thailand Open on OneAsia and losing in play-off at the Black Mountain Masters.
His expected rise up the ranks did not materialize after that run but as he showed today his game is not far off from firing on all four cylinders.
“Good to be in front again. I came eighth here last year and I like the course. My confidence is coming back and a good result here this week will be important to me,” said Namchok.
“My game is fine I just need a couple of good results to get going this year.”
He made the turn in even par but then pulled ahead with birdies on 11, 12, 14 and 16.
Sutijet, also 25, started his round on the back nine and was on course for the outright lead at five under with three to play but bogeyed the eighth.
“There are a lot of good Thai players here so it means a lot to be in the lead. It is good experience,” said Sutijet.
The Thai golfer showed his potential last year when he led after three rounds of the Thai PGA Tour Singha Watermill Championship.
He was unable to hang on to his lead but finished second behind his famous countryman Thaworn Wiratchant – who won the Luang Prabang Laos Open by eight shots last year.
Thailand’s Kwanchai Tannin, winner of last week’s Singha Pattaya Open, carded a 73 along with Wisut Artjanawat and Thanyakon Khrongpha.
Indonesia is in this tournament represented by Adi Bramantyo and Kurnia Herishandy, who completed the first round in 76 and 77 strokes respectively. This puts them in a share of 34th and 39th on the leaderboard, with good prospects to make the cut if they manage another decent round tomorrow.
Leading first round scores (Par 72, Thai unless stated):
68 - Sutijet Kooratanapisan, Namchok Tantipokhakul
69 - Udorn Duangdecha
70 - Ariya Sawangsri, Ronnachai Jamnong
71 - Chirat Jirasuwan, Pavit Tangkamolprasert, Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS), Sattaya Supupramai, Supravee Phatam, Borworn Chaisri
72 - Pol Kemmarat, Chawinroj Krobteeranon, Ratchapol Juntavara
Selected:
73 - Wisut Artjanawat, Thanyakon Khrongpha, Kwanchai Tannin
76 - Adi Bramantyo (INA)
77 - Kurnia Herishandy (INA)
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