Dubai, December 19 - Korean veteran Mo Joong-kyung, Thailand’s Namchok Tantipokhakul, Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing and Australian Jake Higginbottom have ensured the final two rounds of the 2014 season at the inaugural Dubai Open will be a nerve-jangling affair.
All four safely made it through into the final two rounds of the US$500,000 tournament to keep alive their hopes of finishing inside the top-60 of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and keep their cards for next season.
However, India’s Chiragh Kumar, who was in 60th place coming into the week at the Els Club Dubai, missed the halfway cut after a disappointing 75 while it was also the end of the road for Indonesian prospect George Gandranata, who missed the cut by two following a level par 72.
Switzerland’s Martin Rominger, currently ranked 58th, will be on the edge of seat in the next two days as he also missed the halfway cut with a 75.
Mo, a two-time Asian Tour winner, currently lies in 64th position and a second round of 71 saw him end the day in tied 14th place alongside Lam, some four shots behind co-leaders Shiv Kapur and Pavit Tangkamolprasert.
The 43-year-old Korean paid dearly for not having a sweater in his morning start as he dropped two early bogeys in chilly conditions before bouncing back with an eagle and three birdies.
“It was very cold this morning and I didn’t have any proper clothes. I had a rough start but I managed to bring it back for a one-under card. That eagle on 12 kind of changed my day. I hit a good shot which I thought would be close but it went in,” said Mo.
“I wasn’t having a good day but that turned it around. I can’t think about it (card fight) on the course. Just concentrate on every shot. I’m not really happy with my swing but I’m just managing. I’m going to practice my putting as I missed quite a few birdie chances.”
Lam, a one-time winner on Tour, was disappointed he did not take advantage of the calm conditions in the morning as he dropped five bogeys, one double bogey against five birdies.
“The thing is I hit the ball exactly the same as I did yesterday. I was hitting it pretty solid, just the putts didn’t drop today … simple as that,” said Lam.
“I missed six greens and I shot seven over on those holes. I made my share of birdies, but I just need to stop making soft bogeys. I’m still in with a chance. I just need the putts to drop like they did yesterday.”
Kumar was disappointed that he would lose out on his top-60 spot. “I didn’t play well on the front nine and fought hard on the back nine. But I made a stupid error on the last hole which I think will cost me my card. It’s not the easiest thing but I guess it’s part of the game,” said the Indian.
“I haven’t given it any thought I need to see what I’m going to do. You’ll definitely see me out here next year whether I go back to Qschool or not (through the country exemption).”
Gandranata, Indonesia’s number one, said he would sign up for the Qualifying School next month. “You’ll definitely see me around next year,” he said.
The Dubai Open is promoted and organised by golf in DUBAi. The Els Club Dubai is situated within the sprawling Dubai Sports City where the par-72 course combines links style golf with traditional ‘classical era’ design. Opened for play in 2008, the course stretches 7,538 yards and was named as ‘Best New International Course’ by prestigious US magazine, Links, and “Best New Facility of the Year” by Troon Golf.
Scores after the second of the Dubai Open (Par 72):
137 - Shiv KAPUR (IND) 71-66, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 67-70
138 - Arjun ATWAL (IND) 73-65, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 69-69, Simon YATES (SCO) 71-67, WANG Jeung-hun (KOR) 71-67
139 - Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 73-66, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 71-68, Joshua WHITE (ENG) 71-68
Selected:
147 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-72
Friday, December 19, 2014
2015 Indonesian Masters Set For 23-26 April
Jakarta, December 18 - PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk (CIMB Niaga) as the title sponsor, Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of Indonesia (PGTI) today announced that the 2015 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will return to the magnificent Royale Jakarta Golf Club from April 23-26, 2015.
The fifth edition of the Asian Tour-sanctioned event will welcome top players from across the region as they vie for a share of the US$750,000 prize purse.
President Director of CIMB Niaga Arwin Rasyid said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters which will be held from April 23-26, 2015. In its five years, we’ve had some fantastic winners in the past with Lee Westwood, Bernd Wiesberger and Anirban Lahiri in April this year. We’re all eagerly looking forward to seeing who will come out on top at the 2015 tournament.
“As one the leading banks here in Indonesia, we are committed to growing our ties with the local community through our youth development and amateur league programs in the country. The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has been a fantastic opportunity for the bank to give back to the community in the past three years. We look forward to working with the organizers on another fantastic event in 2015.
Chairman of Professional Golf Tour Indonesia Johannes Dermawan thanked CIMB Niaga for their continued support of the tournament. “We’re extremely fortunate to have such an active and supportive partner as CIMB Niaga. Our partnership has enabled the tournament to grow, attracting some of the biggest names in world golf to play alongside our own golfers from Indonesia. CIMB Niaga’s youth programme has also been hugely successful in developing the sport and it is wonderful to have a sponsor who is so committed to the junior game.”
The tournament will be broadcast live across the Asian Tour TV platform, reaching 625 million households in over 180 countries thereby showcasing Indonesia to a global audience.
Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “On behalf of our players, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to CIMB Niaga for its wonderful support. Since its launch, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has developed into a truly top-class international golf tournament that the country can be proud of. Our players are looking forward to returning in 2015 and entertaining golf fans and television viewers once again.”
Manager of International Promotion for Enjoy Jakarta Hari Wibowo, commented: “Major sporting and cultural events are a wonderful way to promote our beautiful country worldwide. The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is one such event. The broadcast of the tournament enables us to reach golfers and non-golfers alike, encouraging them to come and visit Indonesia.”
Hari added: “Golf tourism is extremely important for Indonesia’s growing tourism industry. Events like the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters play a very important role in driving this traffic and the associated revenue so we will work very closely with the tournament to ensure maximum impact across the region. We look forward to welcoming all visitors to the event next year.”
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGTI, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will feature 24 Indonesian golfers; 20 professionals from the PGTI and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs. Previous editions have welcomed Indonesia’s brightest professionals and amateurs such as George Gandranata, Rory Hie, Jordan Irawan, Andik Mauludin and Tirto Tamardi.
Besides fostering local talents, the tournament also has a tradition of hosting many of the world’s top golfers including the winner of the 2011 and 2012 tournament, Lee Westwood of England, four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit Winner Thonghchai Jaidee of Thailand, 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke, 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen and Ryder Cup star Victor Dubuisson of France.
The 2014 tournament was won in spectacular style by Anirban Lahiri of India when he holed an eagle putt on the last hole to defeat Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea and young Australian Cameron Smith. The victory was Lahiri’s first win outside India and his fourth on the Asian Tour.
The fifth edition of the Asian Tour-sanctioned event will welcome top players from across the region as they vie for a share of the US$750,000 prize purse.
President Director of CIMB Niaga Arwin Rasyid said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters which will be held from April 23-26, 2015. In its five years, we’ve had some fantastic winners in the past with Lee Westwood, Bernd Wiesberger and Anirban Lahiri in April this year. We’re all eagerly looking forward to seeing who will come out on top at the 2015 tournament.
“As one the leading banks here in Indonesia, we are committed to growing our ties with the local community through our youth development and amateur league programs in the country. The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has been a fantastic opportunity for the bank to give back to the community in the past three years. We look forward to working with the organizers on another fantastic event in 2015.
Chairman of Professional Golf Tour Indonesia Johannes Dermawan thanked CIMB Niaga for their continued support of the tournament. “We’re extremely fortunate to have such an active and supportive partner as CIMB Niaga. Our partnership has enabled the tournament to grow, attracting some of the biggest names in world golf to play alongside our own golfers from Indonesia. CIMB Niaga’s youth programme has also been hugely successful in developing the sport and it is wonderful to have a sponsor who is so committed to the junior game.”
The tournament will be broadcast live across the Asian Tour TV platform, reaching 625 million households in over 180 countries thereby showcasing Indonesia to a global audience.
Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “On behalf of our players, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to CIMB Niaga for its wonderful support. Since its launch, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has developed into a truly top-class international golf tournament that the country can be proud of. Our players are looking forward to returning in 2015 and entertaining golf fans and television viewers once again.”
Manager of International Promotion for Enjoy Jakarta Hari Wibowo, commented: “Major sporting and cultural events are a wonderful way to promote our beautiful country worldwide. The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is one such event. The broadcast of the tournament enables us to reach golfers and non-golfers alike, encouraging them to come and visit Indonesia.”
Hari added: “Golf tourism is extremely important for Indonesia’s growing tourism industry. Events like the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters play a very important role in driving this traffic and the associated revenue so we will work very closely with the tournament to ensure maximum impact across the region. We look forward to welcoming all visitors to the event next year.”
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGTI, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will feature 24 Indonesian golfers; 20 professionals from the PGTI and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs. Previous editions have welcomed Indonesia’s brightest professionals and amateurs such as George Gandranata, Rory Hie, Jordan Irawan, Andik Mauludin and Tirto Tamardi.
Besides fostering local talents, the tournament also has a tradition of hosting many of the world’s top golfers including the winner of the 2011 and 2012 tournament, Lee Westwood of England, four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit Winner Thonghchai Jaidee of Thailand, 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke, 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen and Ryder Cup star Victor Dubuisson of France.
The 2014 tournament was won in spectacular style by Anirban Lahiri of India when he holed an eagle putt on the last hole to defeat Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea and young Australian Cameron Smith. The victory was Lahiri’s first win outside India and his fourth on the Asian Tour.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Drama For Rory Hie In Final Round Of Australian PGA Championship
December 14, Gold Coast - Greg Chalmers staged a remarkable comeback to win the Australian PGA Championship at RACV Royal Pines Resort on Sunday after the longest-ever playoff in the history of the OneAsia tour to claim the Joe Kirkwood Cup and scoop the A$180,000 first prize.
Chalmers capped an astonishing day by defeating defending champion Adam Scott at the seventh extra hole when the world number three bogeyed the 18th after Chalmers had earlier recorded an eight-under-par 64 to earn a place in the playoff alongside Scott and Wade Ormsby.
“It was an epic day, wasn’t it?” said Chalmers, who claimed his second Australian PGA Championship after previously winning in 2011. “I honestly didn’t think there would be a very slim chance I would be sitting here with all of the guys leading the tournament and doing well.
“But I got away to a fast start, holed about a 50 footer, a 60 footer on the second for a birdie and then I did the same again on the next hole and then I holed a 10 footer, I hit a wedge into 10 feet and then made birdie there and suddenly I was three under through four.
“Things just progressed from there and I got a lot of momentum going and I birdied the holes you should birdie, the par fives, and it turns out we’re in the playoff. I thought it was over when Wade Ormsby hit to within five feet but it turns out that just with tenacity and a little bit of luck and here I am.”
Chalmers, who started the day back in 14th place, rolled in his par putt from four feet to win the title after Scott three-putted the hole having earlier had several opportunities to win the tournament himself.
Scott and Chalmers were joined in the playoff by joint-overnight leader Ormsby after all three finished the tournament on 11-under par, but the South Australian was eliminated after the third time down the 18th when his par was not enough to stay alive as both Scott and Chalmers birdied the hole.
All three players recorded pars in their first two playoff holes before Ormsby was eliminated, while Scott missed a birdie putt on the fourth trip to the green that would have won him the title after Chalmers recovered from a poor tee shot to save par and send the pair down the 18th for a fifth time.
Chalmers had earlier fired off the round of the weekend when he recorded an 64 to surge to the top of the leaderboard and put pressure on Scott and Ormsby.
Chalmers embarked on a run of three straight birdies from the second to the fourth holes to reach the turn in 32 strokes, and he maintained that form on the back nine, taking another 32 blows to complete his round and move to the top of the standings.
Within minutes of Chalmers completing his round, Scott joined him on 11-under by continuing his form on the par-fives with a birdie at the 15th, taking his score for the weekend at the longest holes to a remarkable 15-under.
Ormsby maintained a steady challenge throughout the front nine, playing par golf to the ninth hole, where he picked up his first shot of the day to move onto 11-under, only to drop shots at the 11th and 13th to slip back before a birdie at the 15th put him back to within one shot of the lead.
However, Ormsby drained a 30-foot putt at the last to join Scott and Chalmers at the top of the leaderboard and earn a place in the playoff, only for Chalmers to hold his nerve and take the title in dramatic fashion.
Rory Hie was not able to bring glory back home to Indonesia after a dramatic final round ended in deception with a total of 8 bogeys. As a result he dropped back from a ninth place to a tie for 46th.
Final scores of the Australian PGA Championship (Par 72):
277 - Greg CHALMERS (AUS) 71-71-71-64 (winner after play off), Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-67-71-71, Adam SCOTT (AUS) 68-69-69-71
279 - Michael HENDRY (NZL) 70-71-67-71
280 - Scott STALLINGS (USA) 72-70-68-70
281 - Boo WEEKLEY (USA) 66-72-69-74
282 - Matthew GILES (AUS) 73-69-70-70, Scott STRANGE (AUS) 69-66-71-76
283 - John SENDEN (AUS) 73-68-73-69, Cameron SMITH (AUS) 74-68-71-70
Selected:
291 - Rory HIE (INA) 71-71-69-80
Chalmers capped an astonishing day by defeating defending champion Adam Scott at the seventh extra hole when the world number three bogeyed the 18th after Chalmers had earlier recorded an eight-under-par 64 to earn a place in the playoff alongside Scott and Wade Ormsby.
“It was an epic day, wasn’t it?” said Chalmers, who claimed his second Australian PGA Championship after previously winning in 2011. “I honestly didn’t think there would be a very slim chance I would be sitting here with all of the guys leading the tournament and doing well.
“But I got away to a fast start, holed about a 50 footer, a 60 footer on the second for a birdie and then I did the same again on the next hole and then I holed a 10 footer, I hit a wedge into 10 feet and then made birdie there and suddenly I was three under through four.
“Things just progressed from there and I got a lot of momentum going and I birdied the holes you should birdie, the par fives, and it turns out we’re in the playoff. I thought it was over when Wade Ormsby hit to within five feet but it turns out that just with tenacity and a little bit of luck and here I am.”
Chalmers, who started the day back in 14th place, rolled in his par putt from four feet to win the title after Scott three-putted the hole having earlier had several opportunities to win the tournament himself.
Scott and Chalmers were joined in the playoff by joint-overnight leader Ormsby after all three finished the tournament on 11-under par, but the South Australian was eliminated after the third time down the 18th when his par was not enough to stay alive as both Scott and Chalmers birdied the hole.
All three players recorded pars in their first two playoff holes before Ormsby was eliminated, while Scott missed a birdie putt on the fourth trip to the green that would have won him the title after Chalmers recovered from a poor tee shot to save par and send the pair down the 18th for a fifth time.
Chalmers had earlier fired off the round of the weekend when he recorded an 64 to surge to the top of the leaderboard and put pressure on Scott and Ormsby.
Chalmers embarked on a run of three straight birdies from the second to the fourth holes to reach the turn in 32 strokes, and he maintained that form on the back nine, taking another 32 blows to complete his round and move to the top of the standings.
Within minutes of Chalmers completing his round, Scott joined him on 11-under by continuing his form on the par-fives with a birdie at the 15th, taking his score for the weekend at the longest holes to a remarkable 15-under.
Ormsby maintained a steady challenge throughout the front nine, playing par golf to the ninth hole, where he picked up his first shot of the day to move onto 11-under, only to drop shots at the 11th and 13th to slip back before a birdie at the 15th put him back to within one shot of the lead.
However, Ormsby drained a 30-foot putt at the last to join Scott and Chalmers at the top of the leaderboard and earn a place in the playoff, only for Chalmers to hold his nerve and take the title in dramatic fashion.
Rory Hie was not able to bring glory back home to Indonesia after a dramatic final round ended in deception with a total of 8 bogeys. As a result he dropped back from a ninth place to a tie for 46th.
Final scores of the Australian PGA Championship (Par 72):
277 - Greg CHALMERS (AUS) 71-71-71-64 (winner after play off), Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-67-71-71, Adam SCOTT (AUS) 68-69-69-71
279 - Michael HENDRY (NZL) 70-71-67-71
280 - Scott STALLINGS (USA) 72-70-68-70
281 - Boo WEEKLEY (USA) 66-72-69-74
282 - Matthew GILES (AUS) 73-69-70-70, Scott STRANGE (AUS) 69-66-71-76
283 - John SENDEN (AUS) 73-68-73-69, Cameron SMITH (AUS) 74-68-71-70
Selected:
291 - Rory HIE (INA) 71-71-69-80
Rory Hie Storms Into Top Ten At Australian PGA Championship
December 13, Gold Coast - Defending champion Adam Scott, former OneAsia Order of Merit winner Scott Strange and joint-overnight leader Wade Ormsby share a one-shot lead over the rest of the field going into the final day’s play at the Australian PGA Championship after a blustery Saturday at RACV Royal Pines Resort.
Scott hit a second successive round of 69 in the OneAsia event to join Ormsby and Strange – who both completed the third round in 71 strokes – on 10-under par, one shot clear of Jason Scrivener and Boo Weekley.
The world number three birdied all four par-fives on the course as he maintained a consistency that has seen him hit scores under 70 on each of the three rounds while Ormsby sunk a 20-metre putt on the final hole to remain alongside his playing partners at the top of the leaderboard.
“It was good today to make up a couple of shots and at least get in a share of the lead and stay in the final group for tomorrow,” said Scott. “But it’s a really bunched leaderboard and whoever has a good round tomorrow is going to be able to do it.
“It’s a good course to post a number on and the guys behind will certainly have that opportunity. But if I keep playing solid and give myself some chances, hopefully I’ll make a couple more.
“For me, tomorrow I need to go out and get off to a good start. That’s the best thing I can do for so many reasons, to give myself an advantage whether it’s from a crowd cheering perspective and just the rhythm of the tournament perspective.
“Apart from me, you’ve got Boo one back and any of these guys can get off to a good start and there’s no reason why not. They’re all sitting right there and the soft conditions are rewarding good shots, so it’s really important for me to start well tomorrow.”
New Zealand’s Michael Hendry hit the best round of the day when he claimed a 67 to move up to fifth in the standings, just two shots behind the leading trio.
Hendry, winner of the Indonesian Open in 2010 on OneAsia, had a bogey-free round to pull himself into contention for his first title since claiming the Starwood Classic in Fiji in June last year.
“It was pretty tough out there today, especially those last five or six holes where you come back,” he said. “Every shot seems to be off the left or right and that’s where I started to find it tough.
“I made a solid enough start and I managed to make a few birdies through the middle at the easier holes today.
“It’s a nice to be in a position to have a chance. It’s been six or seven months since I’ve been at the very top end of a tournament so I’m just looking forward to the opportunity and hopefully I can play well again tomorrow.”
Indonesia's Rory Hie made a big leap forward with a bogey-free round of 3-under 69. With a total of 5-under he now is in the top ten, and goes into the final round 5 shots from the top of the leaderboard.
Scores after the third round of the Australian PGA Championship (Par 72):
206 - Adam SCOTT (AUS) 68-69-69, Scott STRANGE (AUS) 69-66-71, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-67-71
207 - Jason SCRIVENER (AUS) 73-66-68, Boo WEEKLEY (USA) 66-72-69
208 - Michael HENDRY (NZL) 70-71-67
210 - Scott STALLINGS (USA) 72-70-68, David SMAIL (NZL) 68-71-71
211 - Rory HIE (INA) 71-71-69, David BRANSDON (AUS) 73-70-68, Jarrod LYLE (AUS) 69-72-70
Scott hit a second successive round of 69 in the OneAsia event to join Ormsby and Strange – who both completed the third round in 71 strokes – on 10-under par, one shot clear of Jason Scrivener and Boo Weekley.
The world number three birdied all four par-fives on the course as he maintained a consistency that has seen him hit scores under 70 on each of the three rounds while Ormsby sunk a 20-metre putt on the final hole to remain alongside his playing partners at the top of the leaderboard.
“It was good today to make up a couple of shots and at least get in a share of the lead and stay in the final group for tomorrow,” said Scott. “But it’s a really bunched leaderboard and whoever has a good round tomorrow is going to be able to do it.
“It’s a good course to post a number on and the guys behind will certainly have that opportunity. But if I keep playing solid and give myself some chances, hopefully I’ll make a couple more.
“For me, tomorrow I need to go out and get off to a good start. That’s the best thing I can do for so many reasons, to give myself an advantage whether it’s from a crowd cheering perspective and just the rhythm of the tournament perspective.
“Apart from me, you’ve got Boo one back and any of these guys can get off to a good start and there’s no reason why not. They’re all sitting right there and the soft conditions are rewarding good shots, so it’s really important for me to start well tomorrow.”
New Zealand’s Michael Hendry hit the best round of the day when he claimed a 67 to move up to fifth in the standings, just two shots behind the leading trio.
Hendry, winner of the Indonesian Open in 2010 on OneAsia, had a bogey-free round to pull himself into contention for his first title since claiming the Starwood Classic in Fiji in June last year.
“It was pretty tough out there today, especially those last five or six holes where you come back,” he said. “Every shot seems to be off the left or right and that’s where I started to find it tough.
“I made a solid enough start and I managed to make a few birdies through the middle at the easier holes today.
“It’s a nice to be in a position to have a chance. It’s been six or seven months since I’ve been at the very top end of a tournament so I’m just looking forward to the opportunity and hopefully I can play well again tomorrow.”
Indonesia's Rory Hie made a big leap forward with a bogey-free round of 3-under 69. With a total of 5-under he now is in the top ten, and goes into the final round 5 shots from the top of the leaderboard.
Scores after the third round of the Australian PGA Championship (Par 72):
206 - Adam SCOTT (AUS) 68-69-69, Scott STRANGE (AUS) 69-66-71, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-67-71
207 - Jason SCRIVENER (AUS) 73-66-68, Boo WEEKLEY (USA) 66-72-69
208 - Michael HENDRY (NZL) 70-71-67
210 - Scott STALLINGS (USA) 72-70-68, David SMAIL (NZL) 68-71-71
211 - Rory HIE (INA) 71-71-69, David BRANSDON (AUS) 73-70-68, Jarrod LYLE (AUS) 69-72-70
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Solid Rounds From Rory Hie At Australian PGA Championship
December 12, Gold Coast - Scott Strange hit a second round 66 to join Wade Ormsby on nine-under par at the top of the leaderboard of the Australian PGA Championship on Friday at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, with defending champion Adam Scott two shots further back going into the weekend.
Former OneAsia Order of Merit winner Strange claimed a birdie at his final hole – the ninth – to complete a bogey-free round and draw level with Ormsby after 36 holes.
Ormsby carded a five-under par 67 while 2013 Masters champion Scott was three-under for the day and sits in third, one clear of overnight leader Boo Weekley, who carded a 72 to remain on six-under.
The tournament is the season-ending event on OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
“I played nice today,” said Strange, who has recorded just one bogey in his opening two rounds.
“I think we got the right side of the draw with the storms and that rolling in yesterday and this morning with the rain. So I took advantage of it and played nice today.”
Ormsby started off by bogeying his first hole of the day – the par-four 10th – before chipping in from the edge of the green at the 12th on a run that saw him pick up six shots over six holes and move to nine-under after a four-under par opening round.
“I made a weak bogey at 10, then I chipped in on 12 and made an eagle there and that really got me going and made four in row around the back nine and I got pretty hot,” said Ormsby, who finished tied for fourth at the Turkish Open last month. “The wind was a bit tricky out there.
“I started the year well, and then went a bit flat in the middle of the year. I was making a lot of cuts but not really doing much with it, so I really wanted to finish the year on a high and I did that in Turkey, and the week before and the week after.
“When I came back for the Australian Open, I was a little bit flat from all the travelling. I thought I could get the job done but I just wasn’t feeling good. I was pretty disappointing there, but I wanted to finish this week on a high, so I did some practicing over the last week and so far, so good.”
Almost half the field turned out in the early hours of the morning to complete their opening round on Friday after inclement weather forced an early finish on Thursday and Jeong Jin finished as the first round leader.
The Korean golfer was four-under par after 12 holes when he resumed, going on to finish on seven-under after a round of 65 to lead by one over Weekley.
Jeong continued his strong form at the first hole of his second round with a birdie to move to eight-under before dropping shots at the 12th and 13th holes while bogeys at the first, second and sixth threatened to derail a round that was salvaged by a birdie-birdie finish that left him on five-under par and in a tie for fifth.
“I had a good start on 10, made a good birdie out of the rough and then some really heavy rain came through on the 11th hole,” said Jeong.
“There were really tough conditions and I started hitting a little bit off the line and made some silly mistakes and a few bogeys. I didn’t putt badly, but they weren’t going in, but I finished birdie-birdie so it wasn’t bad at all and I put myself in a good position. I don’t think it’s bad at all.”
Rory Hie from Indonesia completed the second round in the same fashion as the first round with 3 birdies and 2 bogeys. Currently he is in a tie for 24th at 2-under par.
Leading scores after second round of the Australian PGA Championship (Par 72):
135 - Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-67, Scott STRANGE (AUS) 69-66
137 - Adam SCOTT (AUS) 68-69
138 - Boo WEEKLEY (USA) 66-72
139 - Nick CULLEN (AUS) 68-71, JEONG Jin (KOR) 65-74, Kristopher MUECK (AUS) 71-68, David SMAIL (NZL) 68-71, Jason SCRIVENER (AUS) 73-66, Craig HANCOCK (AUS) 68-71
Selected:
142 - Rory HIE (INA) 71-71
Former OneAsia Order of Merit winner Strange claimed a birdie at his final hole – the ninth – to complete a bogey-free round and draw level with Ormsby after 36 holes.
Ormsby carded a five-under par 67 while 2013 Masters champion Scott was three-under for the day and sits in third, one clear of overnight leader Boo Weekley, who carded a 72 to remain on six-under.
The tournament is the season-ending event on OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
“I played nice today,” said Strange, who has recorded just one bogey in his opening two rounds.
“I think we got the right side of the draw with the storms and that rolling in yesterday and this morning with the rain. So I took advantage of it and played nice today.”
Ormsby started off by bogeying his first hole of the day – the par-four 10th – before chipping in from the edge of the green at the 12th on a run that saw him pick up six shots over six holes and move to nine-under after a four-under par opening round.
“I made a weak bogey at 10, then I chipped in on 12 and made an eagle there and that really got me going and made four in row around the back nine and I got pretty hot,” said Ormsby, who finished tied for fourth at the Turkish Open last month. “The wind was a bit tricky out there.
“I started the year well, and then went a bit flat in the middle of the year. I was making a lot of cuts but not really doing much with it, so I really wanted to finish the year on a high and I did that in Turkey, and the week before and the week after.
“When I came back for the Australian Open, I was a little bit flat from all the travelling. I thought I could get the job done but I just wasn’t feeling good. I was pretty disappointing there, but I wanted to finish this week on a high, so I did some practicing over the last week and so far, so good.”
Almost half the field turned out in the early hours of the morning to complete their opening round on Friday after inclement weather forced an early finish on Thursday and Jeong Jin finished as the first round leader.
The Korean golfer was four-under par after 12 holes when he resumed, going on to finish on seven-under after a round of 65 to lead by one over Weekley.
Jeong continued his strong form at the first hole of his second round with a birdie to move to eight-under before dropping shots at the 12th and 13th holes while bogeys at the first, second and sixth threatened to derail a round that was salvaged by a birdie-birdie finish that left him on five-under par and in a tie for fifth.
“I had a good start on 10, made a good birdie out of the rough and then some really heavy rain came through on the 11th hole,” said Jeong.
“There were really tough conditions and I started hitting a little bit off the line and made some silly mistakes and a few bogeys. I didn’t putt badly, but they weren’t going in, but I finished birdie-birdie so it wasn’t bad at all and I put myself in a good position. I don’t think it’s bad at all.”
Rory Hie from Indonesia completed the second round in the same fashion as the first round with 3 birdies and 2 bogeys. Currently he is in a tie for 24th at 2-under par.
Leading scores after second round of the Australian PGA Championship (Par 72):
135 - Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-67, Scott STRANGE (AUS) 69-66
137 - Adam SCOTT (AUS) 68-69
138 - Boo WEEKLEY (USA) 66-72
139 - Nick CULLEN (AUS) 68-71, JEONG Jin (KOR) 65-74, Kristopher MUECK (AUS) 71-68, David SMAIL (NZL) 68-71, Jason SCRIVENER (AUS) 73-66, Craig HANCOCK (AUS) 68-71
Selected:
142 - Rory HIE (INA) 71-71
George Gandranata Crashes Out Of Thailand Golf Championship
Chonburi, Thailand, December 12 - England’s Tommy Fleetwood braved the tough conditions to snatch the second round lead with a three-under-par 69 at the Thailand Golf Championship on Friday.
The Englishman took a one-shot advantage over Australia’s Marcus Fraser and former world number one Lee Westwood of England with his two day total of four-under-par 140 at the Amata Spring Country Club.
Unheralded Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand, who earned his place at the Thailand Golf Championship spot through Monday’s qualifying, shared fourth place with Jonathan Moore of the United States while Thongchai Jaidee together with Germany’s Martin Kaymer and American Paul Peterson are tied for sixth on 143.
Fleetwood was among 12 players who broke par under testing conditions where the swirling winds and course set-up made the Thailand Golf Championship an extremely challenging contest.
“I woke up and turned up with a good golf swing today. I played really well and had only about three or four bad shots. That’s what you need to do on a course with windy conditions like this,” said Fleetwood.
The Englishman was also clearly delighted to see his fortunes change within a day.
“My game felt good to be honest. Compared to yesterday where I had to scrap out a result and shoot a one-under which was unbelievable,” said Fleetwood.
Fraser continued his swift recovery after spending eight months away from the game due to a wrist injury.
“It’s reassuring to know you’re doing the right things and preparing properly for a tournament after having so long out of the game.
“I was a bit surprised to come out and play well in Hong Kong but just pleasing to know I prepared properly going into it,” said Fraser.
The Australian put himself in a good position for the weekend and only lamented on his costly double-bogey on the par-four third hole which could have otherwise given him a bigger advantage.
“I made double on three as I tried to hit it out of the rough and I got a bit greedy with the pitch shot coming in. It was pretty amateurish and I was disappointed because apart from that it was pretty good,” said Fraser.
Westwood overcame the ‘tricky’ conditions to stay within sights of his second Thailand Golf Championship win.
“I played well again. It was tricky out there. The wind was blowing a bit stronger than yesterday. All in all it was a good round and three-under will put me in a good position for the weekend,” said the 2011 Thailand Golf Championship winner.
Defending champion Sergio Garcia of Spain meanwhile struggled to a 75 to take a share of 21st place.
“The score was very bad but it felt like I hit the ball much better than yesterday. It was tough, difficult conditions, but I just couldn’t get anything going. I hit a lot of good putts but nothing went in,” said Garcia.
Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and 2011 Open Championship winner Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland were among the 79 players who made the weekend rounds which was set at seven-over par.
For Indonesia's money leader George Gandranata the second round was a disaster. From the first tee he started with three consecutive bogeys, adding 2 more before the halfway point with just a single birdie. This was followed by a double bogey on the 10th, birdies on 11th and 17th, bogey on 13 to finish with another double bogey on the final hole. With his two round total of 155 he missed the cut by four strokes.
This year’s Thailand Golf Championship will afford the leading four players, who finish in the top-12 and ties and who are not already exempt, a place at The Open from 16-19 July, 2015.
Leading scores after round 2 of the Thailand Golf Championship (Par 72):
140 – Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG) 71-69
141 – Marcus FRASER (AUS) 69-72, Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 70-71
142 – Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 70-72, Jonathan MOORE (USA) 71-71
143 – Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 72-71, Paul PETERSON (USA) 71-72, Martin KAYMER (GER) 71-72
144 – Koumei ODA (JPN) 74-70, Nathan HOLMAN (AUS) 71-73, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 71-73, Scott HEND (AUS) 70-74, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 75-69
Selected scores:
155 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 76-79
The Englishman took a one-shot advantage over Australia’s Marcus Fraser and former world number one Lee Westwood of England with his two day total of four-under-par 140 at the Amata Spring Country Club.
Unheralded Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand, who earned his place at the Thailand Golf Championship spot through Monday’s qualifying, shared fourth place with Jonathan Moore of the United States while Thongchai Jaidee together with Germany’s Martin Kaymer and American Paul Peterson are tied for sixth on 143.
Fleetwood was among 12 players who broke par under testing conditions where the swirling winds and course set-up made the Thailand Golf Championship an extremely challenging contest.
“I woke up and turned up with a good golf swing today. I played really well and had only about three or four bad shots. That’s what you need to do on a course with windy conditions like this,” said Fleetwood.
The Englishman was also clearly delighted to see his fortunes change within a day.
“My game felt good to be honest. Compared to yesterday where I had to scrap out a result and shoot a one-under which was unbelievable,” said Fleetwood.
Fraser continued his swift recovery after spending eight months away from the game due to a wrist injury.
“It’s reassuring to know you’re doing the right things and preparing properly for a tournament after having so long out of the game.
“I was a bit surprised to come out and play well in Hong Kong but just pleasing to know I prepared properly going into it,” said Fraser.
The Australian put himself in a good position for the weekend and only lamented on his costly double-bogey on the par-four third hole which could have otherwise given him a bigger advantage.
“I made double on three as I tried to hit it out of the rough and I got a bit greedy with the pitch shot coming in. It was pretty amateurish and I was disappointed because apart from that it was pretty good,” said Fraser.
Westwood overcame the ‘tricky’ conditions to stay within sights of his second Thailand Golf Championship win.
“I played well again. It was tricky out there. The wind was blowing a bit stronger than yesterday. All in all it was a good round and three-under will put me in a good position for the weekend,” said the 2011 Thailand Golf Championship winner.
Defending champion Sergio Garcia of Spain meanwhile struggled to a 75 to take a share of 21st place.
“The score was very bad but it felt like I hit the ball much better than yesterday. It was tough, difficult conditions, but I just couldn’t get anything going. I hit a lot of good putts but nothing went in,” said Garcia.
Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and 2011 Open Championship winner Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland were among the 79 players who made the weekend rounds which was set at seven-over par.
For Indonesia's money leader George Gandranata the second round was a disaster. From the first tee he started with three consecutive bogeys, adding 2 more before the halfway point with just a single birdie. This was followed by a double bogey on the 10th, birdies on 11th and 17th, bogey on 13 to finish with another double bogey on the final hole. With his two round total of 155 he missed the cut by four strokes.
This year’s Thailand Golf Championship will afford the leading four players, who finish in the top-12 and ties and who are not already exempt, a place at The Open from 16-19 July, 2015.
Leading scores after round 2 of the Thailand Golf Championship (Par 72):
140 – Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG) 71-69
141 – Marcus FRASER (AUS) 69-72, Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 70-71
142 – Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 70-72, Jonathan MOORE (USA) 71-71
143 – Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 72-71, Paul PETERSON (USA) 71-72, Martin KAYMER (GER) 71-72
144 – Koumei ODA (JPN) 74-70, Nathan HOLMAN (AUS) 71-73, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 71-73, Scott HEND (AUS) 70-74, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 75-69
Selected scores:
155 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 76-79
Friday, December 12, 2014
Rinaldi Adiyandono Seals Victory Of The Indonesian Golf Tour In Dramatic Fashion
Tangerang, December 11, 2014 - For the first time the Indonesian Golf Tour Presented by Linc Group held 9 professional tournaments throughout 2014. The top 30 ranked players competed in the Grand Final of the Indonesian Golf Tour Presented by Linc Group, held at Imperial Klub Golf, that after 3 days finally produced the first winner.
Rinaldi Adiyandono came out as the winner after a dramatic putt on hole 18. Before the final hole in the final round there was a tie between Rinaldi Adiyandono and Benita Y. Kasiadi who both were at one-under-par. At the par 5 18th hole, Rinaldi landed on the green with a 60-80cm distance from the hole and recorded a birdie, while Benita had to be satisfied with even-par.
During the match, Rinaldi scored 71-71-72 (214) and took home the prize money of IDR 48 million.
"Thank you for Linc Group for being the sponsor of the Indonesian Golf Tour, to PGTI and also Imperial Golf Club. Thanks to TaylorMade-Adidas Golf which has become my sponsor. And also to my parents who have always supported me."
"Last week, when I failed to qualify for the cut in the Bank BRI Indonesia Open, I immediately change my goal to be able to play well in the Indonesian Golf Tour. I decided to go to Imperial Golf Club and practice. There are some shot improvements I made that eventually led me to be the champion," said Rinaldi, who is ranked 4th in the Order of Merit of the Indonesian Golf Tour.
Benita Y. Kasiadi started the final round with a score of one-under-par. Benita successfully put pressure on Rinaldi's game and continued to keep up with him until hole 17. Settling for being runner-up, Benita hopes he will play better in the coming year.
"My personal target today was to score a four-under. However, I had some difficulties and scored bogeys on holes 11, 12 and 16. My game plan was good, my long shots were good too, just my putts were less well."
"Having the Indonesian Golf Tour and the cooperation with PGTI, the game of all the players who participated developed. The tournament also helps Indonesian professional golfers actively practicing their game and makes it more competitive than ever before."
In the final match of the Indonesian Golf Tour Presented by Linc Group, Aditya Novianto managed to become Lowest Amateur with collecting a score of eight-over-par, 72-76-76 (224).
Rinaldi Adiyandono came out as the winner after a dramatic putt on hole 18. Before the final hole in the final round there was a tie between Rinaldi Adiyandono and Benita Y. Kasiadi who both were at one-under-par. At the par 5 18th hole, Rinaldi landed on the green with a 60-80cm distance from the hole and recorded a birdie, while Benita had to be satisfied with even-par.
During the match, Rinaldi scored 71-71-72 (214) and took home the prize money of IDR 48 million.
"Thank you for Linc Group for being the sponsor of the Indonesian Golf Tour, to PGTI and also Imperial Golf Club. Thanks to TaylorMade-Adidas Golf which has become my sponsor. And also to my parents who have always supported me."
"Last week, when I failed to qualify for the cut in the Bank BRI Indonesia Open, I immediately change my goal to be able to play well in the Indonesian Golf Tour. I decided to go to Imperial Golf Club and practice. There are some shot improvements I made that eventually led me to be the champion," said Rinaldi, who is ranked 4th in the Order of Merit of the Indonesian Golf Tour.
Benita Y. Kasiadi started the final round with a score of one-under-par. Benita successfully put pressure on Rinaldi's game and continued to keep up with him until hole 17. Settling for being runner-up, Benita hopes he will play better in the coming year.
"My personal target today was to score a four-under. However, I had some difficulties and scored bogeys on holes 11, 12 and 16. My game plan was good, my long shots were good too, just my putts were less well."
"Having the Indonesian Golf Tour and the cooperation with PGTI, the game of all the players who participated developed. The tournament also helps Indonesian professional golfers actively practicing their game and makes it more competitive than ever before."
In the final match of the Indonesian Golf Tour Presented by Linc Group, Aditya Novianto managed to become Lowest Amateur with collecting a score of eight-over-par, 72-76-76 (224).
Slow Start For George Gandranata In Thailand Golf Championship
Chonburi, Thailand, December 11 - Thailand’s Thanyakon Khrongpha, Australia’s Marcus Fraser, Canada’s Richard T. Lee and Chinese Taipei’s Lu Wei-chih stole the early limelight by returning with matching three-under-par 69s to share the first round lead at the Thailand Golf Championship on Thursday.
Lee Westwood of England, winner of the Thailand Golf Championship in 2011, trailed by one shot in tied fifth place alongside Scott Hend of Australia and Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand who had to battle through the blustery conditions at the Amata Spring Country Club.
Title holder Sergio Garcia of Spain and Martin Kaymer of Germany fired identical 71s for tied eighth place alongside Order of Merit leader David Lipsky of the United States and Anirban Lahiri of India at the US$1 million Asian Tour event.
George Gandranata from Indonesia had a slow start, finishing the round at 4-over par, with 2 birdies, 4 bogeys and a double bogey on hole number 13. He is currently in a tie for 69th with amongst others 2-time Masters winner Bubba Watson
The talented Thanyakon was denied his first Asian Tour win at the Bank BRI Indonesia Open in Jakarta last week but he bounced back brilliantly with a morale-boosting 69 to eclipse several of the tournament’s heavyweights.
“I hit good drives and putted very well. I must continue to do that. I wasn’t worried about my score because the conditions were tough. I like the greens here. I know where the slopes are and I don’t find it tough to putt on these greens,” said Thanyakon.
The Thai put aside his disappointment of missing out on his first win on the region’s premier Tour last week where he made a double bogey on the last hole but remains confident of putting on another good show on home soil.
“I’m in a good form and I’ve been playing well for some time now. I’m happy with my result. I have to stick to my game plan because the rough is very long and the wind is very strong.
“Last week was the first time I played with a Major winner so if I can play with another star player this week it will be another good experience,” said Thanyakon.
Having been sidelined by a wrist injury for a large part of the year, Fraser, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation this week, repaid their faith with a noteworthy performance.
“I’ve been out injured all year. I started playing again in Hong Kong and I’m just trying to get back in the swing of things.
“I’m playing on a sponsors invite this week, so it was nice of them to do that (play well). I enjoyed my time here last year. It’s a great golf course and a great tournament,” said the Australian.
Lee meanwhile rushed straight to the Thailand Golf Championship from Japan and was especially delighted after ending his previous week on a sour note.
“I just finished Japan Qualifying School. I had one bad round in Japan and that kind of put me out of the tournament.
I made one bogey today and it was a dumb bogey. I hit a driver to the fairway and hit my second shot to the rough. But other than that, all my shots were executed pretty well. I’m going to do the same thing and hopefully make more putts,” said Lee.
Lu made light of the testing conditions at the Amata Spring Country Club with a performance he was proud of.
The 35-year-old, who is making his comeback on the Asian Tour after having to undergo a brain surgery in 2012, was pleased to make himself count at the penultimate Asian Tour event for 2014.
“It’s definitely a very inspiring performance considering how tough the conditions were today. The rough’s really thick and the key was to get your shots onto the fairways, which I managed to do so.
I’ve been pacing myself and trying not to overexert. So far so good,” smiled Lu, who is accompanied by his wife this week.
Leading Scores after round 1 of the Thailand Golf Championship (Par 72):
69 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA), Marcus FRASER (AUS), Richard T. LEE (CAN), LU Wei-chih (TPE)
70 – Scott HEND (AUS), Lee WESTWOOD (ENG), Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA)
71 – Anirban LAHIRI (IND), Martin KAYMER (GER), Sergio GARCIA (ESP), Kieran PRATT (AUS), Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG), David LIPSKY (USA), WU Ashun (CHN), Jonathan MOORE (USA), Paul PETERSON (USA), Chris GAUNT (AUS), Nathan HOLMAN (AUS)
Selected scores:
75 – Darren CLARKE (NIR)
76 – Bubba WATSON (USA), George GANDRANATA (INA)
Lee Westwood of England, winner of the Thailand Golf Championship in 2011, trailed by one shot in tied fifth place alongside Scott Hend of Australia and Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand who had to battle through the blustery conditions at the Amata Spring Country Club.
Title holder Sergio Garcia of Spain and Martin Kaymer of Germany fired identical 71s for tied eighth place alongside Order of Merit leader David Lipsky of the United States and Anirban Lahiri of India at the US$1 million Asian Tour event.
George Gandranata from Indonesia had a slow start, finishing the round at 4-over par, with 2 birdies, 4 bogeys and a double bogey on hole number 13. He is currently in a tie for 69th with amongst others 2-time Masters winner Bubba Watson
The talented Thanyakon was denied his first Asian Tour win at the Bank BRI Indonesia Open in Jakarta last week but he bounced back brilliantly with a morale-boosting 69 to eclipse several of the tournament’s heavyweights.
“I hit good drives and putted very well. I must continue to do that. I wasn’t worried about my score because the conditions were tough. I like the greens here. I know where the slopes are and I don’t find it tough to putt on these greens,” said Thanyakon.
The Thai put aside his disappointment of missing out on his first win on the region’s premier Tour last week where he made a double bogey on the last hole but remains confident of putting on another good show on home soil.
“I’m in a good form and I’ve been playing well for some time now. I’m happy with my result. I have to stick to my game plan because the rough is very long and the wind is very strong.
“Last week was the first time I played with a Major winner so if I can play with another star player this week it will be another good experience,” said Thanyakon.
Having been sidelined by a wrist injury for a large part of the year, Fraser, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation this week, repaid their faith with a noteworthy performance.
“I’ve been out injured all year. I started playing again in Hong Kong and I’m just trying to get back in the swing of things.
“I’m playing on a sponsors invite this week, so it was nice of them to do that (play well). I enjoyed my time here last year. It’s a great golf course and a great tournament,” said the Australian.
Lee meanwhile rushed straight to the Thailand Golf Championship from Japan and was especially delighted after ending his previous week on a sour note.
“I just finished Japan Qualifying School. I had one bad round in Japan and that kind of put me out of the tournament.
I made one bogey today and it was a dumb bogey. I hit a driver to the fairway and hit my second shot to the rough. But other than that, all my shots were executed pretty well. I’m going to do the same thing and hopefully make more putts,” said Lee.
Lu made light of the testing conditions at the Amata Spring Country Club with a performance he was proud of.
The 35-year-old, who is making his comeback on the Asian Tour after having to undergo a brain surgery in 2012, was pleased to make himself count at the penultimate Asian Tour event for 2014.
“It’s definitely a very inspiring performance considering how tough the conditions were today. The rough’s really thick and the key was to get your shots onto the fairways, which I managed to do so.
I’ve been pacing myself and trying not to overexert. So far so good,” smiled Lu, who is accompanied by his wife this week.
Leading Scores after round 1 of the Thailand Golf Championship (Par 72):
69 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA), Marcus FRASER (AUS), Richard T. LEE (CAN), LU Wei-chih (TPE)
70 – Scott HEND (AUS), Lee WESTWOOD (ENG), Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA)
71 – Anirban LAHIRI (IND), Martin KAYMER (GER), Sergio GARCIA (ESP), Kieran PRATT (AUS), Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG), David LIPSKY (USA), WU Ashun (CHN), Jonathan MOORE (USA), Paul PETERSON (USA), Chris GAUNT (AUS), Nathan HOLMAN (AUS)
Selected scores:
75 – Darren CLARKE (NIR)
76 – Bubba WATSON (USA), George GANDRANATA (INA)
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Rinaldi Adiyandono Takes Lead In Second Round Of The Indonesian Golf Tour Grand Final
"GIR (Green In Regulations) is pretty good today, yesterday I made only 7, but today I managed to increase this to 11. My driver shots where more on the fairway, as well as I was putting better than yesterday. The area where I still have to concentrate on tomorrow is my wedge shots that I should do better and not miss, because it is one of the factors to better my score" Rinaldi smiled with confidence.
Asep Saefulloh produced three birdie to climb today to 2nd in the second round, with a total score of one-under-par, for a total 143. He is followed by Benita Y Kasiadi who managed to make a jump to third after scoring 3-under today, two shots from the lead.
Scores after the first round of the Grand Final of the Indonesian Golf Tour (Par 72):
(A denotes amateur)
142 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO 71-71
143 - Asep SAEFULLOH 72-71
144 - Benita Y. KASIADI 75-69
146 - Jordan IRAWAN 76-70, I Ketut SUGIARTA 73-73, Ramadhan ALWIE 73-73
147 - William SJAICHUDIN 73-74, Hendry NASIM 73-74, Kurnia Heri SIANDY 70-77
148 - Jamel ONDO 75-73, Aditya NOVIANTO (A) 72-76, SARMILIH 71-77, Indra HERMAWAN 71-77
149 - Maan MASIM 73-76, Joshua Andrew WIRAWAN 73-76
150 - Rudi ANTO 74-76, Denny A. WIJAYA 71-79
151 - Junaidi IBRAHIM 79-72, HARJITO 78-73, Fahmi REZA 77-74, Ian ANDREW 76-75, Joeh SEIK (A) 75-76
152 - Fajar WINURYANTO 78-74
153 - Bramantio ADI 76-77, ILYASSYAK 74-79
155 - Johannes DERMAWAN 73-82
158 - SIM Min Sub (A) 81-77, Andik MAULUDIN 79-79, SANUSI 76-82
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Kurnia Heri Siandy Takes Lead In First Round Of Indonesian Golf Tour Grand Final
"I'm not really satisfied with my performance today, because a lot of birdie opportunities were wasted as I was a little impatient. The course conditions are pretty good. As for my game plan for tomorrow it looks like I will keep on attacking the pin", Kurnia said.
Rinaldi Adiyandono managed to take second position with a score of one-under-par 71. Being the Panasonic Open Indonesia 2014 champion, Rinaldi seemed optimistic to become a champion in the Grand Final of the Indonesian Golf Tour 2014.
"Today my GIR (Green In Regulations) is not good, only 7. But fortunately, my putting was good, with a total putting today at 23, with 10 in the first nine and 13 on the second nine". Rinaldi added, "Field conditions are still pretty good, but the weather was quite more windy today compared to the practice rounds".
Of the top 30 professional golfers with the most points after 8 series of the Indonesian Golf Tour, three players can not attend the Grand Final tournament of the Indonesian Golf Tour, namely George Gandranata, Rory Hie and Suprapto.
Imperial Klub Golf Karawaci is proud to host the Indonesian Golf Tour Grand Final presented by Linc Group. The support from the golf course is a great boost to the development of professional golf in Indonesia. This tournament circuit is expected to improve the quality of Pro and Amateur players in Indonesia.
Scores after the first round of the Grand Final of the Indonesian Golf Tour (Par 72):
(A denotes amateur)
70 - Kurnia Heri SIANDY
71 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO, Denny A. WIJAYA, Indra HERMAWAN, SARMILIH
72 - Aditya NOVIANTO (A), Asep SAEFULLOH
73 - Ramadhan ALWIE, Hendry NASIM, Johannes DERMAWAN, I Ketut SUGIARTA, Maan MASIM, William SJAICHUDIN, Joshua Andrew WIRAWAN
74 - ILYASSYAK, Rudi ANTO
75 - Joeh SEIK (A), Benita Y. KASIADI, Jamel ONDO
76 - Jordan IRAWAN, Bramantio ADI, Ian ANDREW, SANUSI
77 - Fahmi REZA
78 - HARJITO, Fajar WINURYANTO
79 - Junaidi IBRAHIM, Andik MAULUDIN
81 - SIM Min Sub (A)
DNS - Abhi SAHARI
Monday, December 8, 2014
Padraig Harrington Wins Bank BRI Indonesia Open After Dramatic Final Hole Drama
Jakarta, December 7 - Irishman Padraig Harrington secured a thrilling victory at the US$750,000 Bank BRI Indonesia Open after defeating a battling Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand by two shots on Sunday.
The three-time Major champion held a four-shot lead at the start of the final round but stumbled at the turn in 37 as Thanyakon birdied three in his opening five holes to lead by two shots after nine holes.
Harrington clawed his way back up after a two-hour rain suspension to tie with Thanyakon heading into the 18th hole where drama ensued at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course.
Under immense pressure to win his first Asian Tour title, the 24-year-old Thai hit his second shot into the water for a double bogey as Harrington sealed the win with a 15-foot par putt after taking a penalty drop when his tee shot landed on the edge of the hazard.
Harrington, who signed for an even-par 71 and a winning total of 16-under-par 268 said, “Winning is a good habit to have. It gives you a lot of confidence and I need that confidence. I didn’t start too well but I came through and I got the win. This win brings a lot of confidence to my game and hopefully it will show up next year.”
“I had a bad break on the 18th hole when I hit my tee shot and it rolled to the edge of the hazard. I was about to chip my ball sideways to the fairway but when Thanyakon hit it into the water, there was no point to take a chance. So I went back to the fairway and hit my six iron for my best shot of the week,” said Harrington.
After completing five holes in his third round on Sunday morning, Harrington opened his final round campaign with a bogey before dropping two shots on the par three seventh hole. He admits that the rain delay after nine holes helped him recover.
“I hit a few bad shots earlier on and I hit a careless shot on the seventh hole. The biggest thing for me at that stage was that I was really praying for a rain delay. My momentum was gone but Thanyakon was flying and he didn’t miss a shot,” explained Harrington.
“It was very unlucky for Thanyakon because of that rain delay. It was unfortunate but he can be very proud with how he played all the way through. He is really impressive. He looks like a player to watch for in the future,” added the Irishman, whose last win in a full field tournament was in Johor in 2010.
A dejected Thanyakon rued the missed opportunity to win his first Asian Tour title after struggling to hold his nerve on the 18th hole.
“It was a great final round from me but I was under so much pressure on the last hole. I’m still happy with how I played. The rain delay stopped my momentum. It wasn’t good. The pressure made me scared,” said the young Thai, who posted a 69.
David Lipsky of the United States extended his Order of Merit lead by slightly over US$133,518 after finishing sixth while Merit runner-up Anirban Lahiri of India stumbled to tied 15th place after closing with a triple bogey.
“Looks like I increased my lead and I’m feeling pretty good about that. The goal was to play solid here. Step one done and now I’ll move on to the Thailand Golf Championship and see what I can do there,” said Lipsky, who won the Omega European Masters in Switzerland in September.
Lahiri will have much to play for in the remaining two Asian Tour events. “I got a lot to play for. David has a good lead and I need two solid results in the last two events. I think I’m playing well enough but I got to put it together over four rounds. I haven’t done that in these last two weeks.”
Home hero George Gandranata couldn't maintain his good form, and had to settle for a 2-over par 73, his first round in the 70s this tournament. As a result he dropped back to a tie for 15th on the leaderboard with 278 total. Jordan Irawan finished one shot further back after firing a 70, which meant he completed all rounds in par or better.
The two Indonesian amateurs that made the cut had their own little fight on who would end on top, that was eventually won by Fadhli Rahman Soetarso, who came home in 68 strokes to overtake 15-year old Tirto Tamardi (72) by 3 strokes.
Scores after round 4 of the Bank BRI Indonesia Open (Par 71):
(A denotes amateur)
268 – Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) 64-66-67-71
270 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 67-63-71-69
271 – Nathan HOLMAN (AUS) 69-63-70-69
272 – Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-67-68-66
274 – Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 73-67-67-67
275 – David LIPSKY (USA) 72-68-66-69
276 – Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 71-69-72-64, Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) 69-70-68-69, Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 71-68-71-66, Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 68-68-69-71, Scott HEND (AUS) 69-64-75-68
Selected:
278 – George GANDRANATA (INA) 69-68-68-73
279 – Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 71-67-71-70
283 - Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A) (INA) 69-73-73-68
286 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA) 70-70-74-72
The three-time Major champion held a four-shot lead at the start of the final round but stumbled at the turn in 37 as Thanyakon birdied three in his opening five holes to lead by two shots after nine holes.
Harrington clawed his way back up after a two-hour rain suspension to tie with Thanyakon heading into the 18th hole where drama ensued at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course.
Under immense pressure to win his first Asian Tour title, the 24-year-old Thai hit his second shot into the water for a double bogey as Harrington sealed the win with a 15-foot par putt after taking a penalty drop when his tee shot landed on the edge of the hazard.
Harrington, who signed for an even-par 71 and a winning total of 16-under-par 268 said, “Winning is a good habit to have. It gives you a lot of confidence and I need that confidence. I didn’t start too well but I came through and I got the win. This win brings a lot of confidence to my game and hopefully it will show up next year.”
“I had a bad break on the 18th hole when I hit my tee shot and it rolled to the edge of the hazard. I was about to chip my ball sideways to the fairway but when Thanyakon hit it into the water, there was no point to take a chance. So I went back to the fairway and hit my six iron for my best shot of the week,” said Harrington.
After completing five holes in his third round on Sunday morning, Harrington opened his final round campaign with a bogey before dropping two shots on the par three seventh hole. He admits that the rain delay after nine holes helped him recover.
“I hit a few bad shots earlier on and I hit a careless shot on the seventh hole. The biggest thing for me at that stage was that I was really praying for a rain delay. My momentum was gone but Thanyakon was flying and he didn’t miss a shot,” explained Harrington.
“It was very unlucky for Thanyakon because of that rain delay. It was unfortunate but he can be very proud with how he played all the way through. He is really impressive. He looks like a player to watch for in the future,” added the Irishman, whose last win in a full field tournament was in Johor in 2010.
A dejected Thanyakon rued the missed opportunity to win his first Asian Tour title after struggling to hold his nerve on the 18th hole.
“It was a great final round from me but I was under so much pressure on the last hole. I’m still happy with how I played. The rain delay stopped my momentum. It wasn’t good. The pressure made me scared,” said the young Thai, who posted a 69.
David Lipsky of the United States extended his Order of Merit lead by slightly over US$133,518 after finishing sixth while Merit runner-up Anirban Lahiri of India stumbled to tied 15th place after closing with a triple bogey.
“Looks like I increased my lead and I’m feeling pretty good about that. The goal was to play solid here. Step one done and now I’ll move on to the Thailand Golf Championship and see what I can do there,” said Lipsky, who won the Omega European Masters in Switzerland in September.
Lahiri will have much to play for in the remaining two Asian Tour events. “I got a lot to play for. David has a good lead and I need two solid results in the last two events. I think I’m playing well enough but I got to put it together over four rounds. I haven’t done that in these last two weeks.”
Home hero George Gandranata couldn't maintain his good form, and had to settle for a 2-over par 73, his first round in the 70s this tournament. As a result he dropped back to a tie for 15th on the leaderboard with 278 total. Jordan Irawan finished one shot further back after firing a 70, which meant he completed all rounds in par or better.
The two Indonesian amateurs that made the cut had their own little fight on who would end on top, that was eventually won by Fadhli Rahman Soetarso, who came home in 68 strokes to overtake 15-year old Tirto Tamardi (72) by 3 strokes.
Scores after round 4 of the Bank BRI Indonesia Open (Par 71):
(A denotes amateur)
268 – Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) 64-66-67-71
270 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 67-63-71-69
271 – Nathan HOLMAN (AUS) 69-63-70-69
272 – Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-67-68-66
274 – Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 73-67-67-67
275 – David LIPSKY (USA) 72-68-66-69
276 – Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 71-69-72-64, Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) 69-70-68-69, Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 71-68-71-66, Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 68-68-69-71, Scott HEND (AUS) 69-64-75-68
Selected:
278 – George GANDRANATA (INA) 69-68-68-73
279 – Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 71-67-71-70
283 - Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A) (INA) 69-73-73-68
286 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA) 70-70-74-72
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Asia-Pacific Dominate Final Day To Win Dongfeng Nissan Cup
GUANGZHOU, China, Dec 7 – Asia Pacific produced a dominant display in Sunday’s singles to win OneAsia’s Dongfeng Nissan Cup for a third time in four years after completing a record 15-9 victory over defending champions China at a damp Foison Golf Club.
Peter Thomson’s Asia Pacific won eight of the 12 matches on the final day of the Ryder Cup-style matchplay event, with Australian duo Ryan Fox and Scott Laycock, Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, Japanese pair Daisuke Maruyama and Nobuhiro Masuda, Korea Republic’s Kim Hyung-tae, Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines and Malaysia’s Khor Kheng Hwai all claiming victories.
China had led 4-2 after Friday’s opening fourballs, but after claiming just one win during Saturday’s foursomes to slip a point behind after two rounds, only Liang Wenchong, Hu Mu and 19-year-old Nanshan China Masters winner Li Haotong prevailed on Sunday, with the contest between New Zealand’s Mark Brown and Wu Ashun halved as Asia Pacific won the final day singles 8.1/2 - 3.1/2 en route to overall victory.
“We promised to be modest in victory and humble in defeat so you can see which one we have picked now. We played some good golf in some pretty funny conditions today and it was a good effort,” said Asia Pacific captain Thomson, who was also in charge for the successes in 2011 and 2012 as well as last year’s defeat.
“The players reacted after my plea for them to get serious and play hard after the first round. The second and third days were a surprise to us to outscore the China team, and it was beyond our wildest dreams we would win by such a margin.”
With Asia Pacific in possession of a one point lead having won four of Saturday’s foursomes, Thomson’s side started the final day well with Rhein Gibson, Rory Hie and Fox establishing early leads.
And with all 12 groups out on a damp course, Asia Pacific led in eight of matches, highlighted by Thaworn holding a commanding five hole advantage over Yan Bin through seven, with Thomson’s side only needing to claim six points to ensure the title.
That was soon extended to advantages in the final 10 matches with Thaworn five up on Yan and Laycock, Kim and Lascuna holding four holes advantages, although with Hu all square with Hie, Liang charged into a four hole lead over Gibson with seven to play.
Gibson held on until the 15th, but the Australian was unable to stop Liang completing a 4&3 win as China claimed the first point of the day to level the overall contest.
But Asia Pacific were soon back in front as Thaworn secured a 6&5 win over Yan having never trailed in the contest, losing just one hole in the process.
And Thomson’s side extended their advantage as Fox converted from four feet on the 17th green to complete a 2&1 win over Su Dong, who holed the winning putt last year as China claimed a first win following a 12.1/2 - 11.1/2 victory.
China, though, kept themselves within touching distance as Hie failed to hole a long putt on the 18th as Hu claimed a 1up victory, although Asia Pacific held leads of over at least three holes in six of the eight remaining matches.
And vice-captain Laycock was next to claim victory with a 4&2 win over Huang Wenyi, before Maruyama soon followed suit by defeating Yuan Tian 4&3 to claim a third point of the week as Asia Pacific moved into a 10.1/2 - 7.1/2 lead with Thomson’s side also ahead in four of the remaining six contests.
The fifth group of the day was the second to make it all the way to the 18th green, but Wu and Brown could not be separated and the pair were forced to settle for a half following an up-and-down contest.
But Asia Pacific’s victory was soon confirmed as Masuda edged out Yang Guangming 2&1 to also maintain his perfect record for the week, with China crucially unable to win two of the remaining four matches.
Lascuna’s 5&4 win over Zhang Lianwei and Kim’s 4&3 win over 16-year-old amateur Jin Cheng quickly followed to extend the advantage with two matches remaining.
Khor’s 4&3 win over 18-year-old Chen Zihao handed Asia Pacific an eighth and final win of the day, and despite Li beating Australia’s Lee Jun-seok 3&2, China were forced to settle for a record defeat in the tournament after Asia Pacific surpassed their 14.1/2 - 9.1/2 win in 2012 having won the maiden event 12.1/2 - 11.1/2 a year earlier.
“We lost, but it’s a good experience for our young players. Today was good and some of the China players who have a lot of experience still played well under pressure. Some of the younger players lost, but they are playing for the first time,” said China vice-captain Wang Jun.
“This format is very good for the young Chinese players who can get a lot of experience through this tournament. It’s good for the young Chinese players and good for Chinese golf fans to see what progress China has made.
“Asia Pacific had very strong players. All of them have played professional tournaments for many years, so they are very competitive and have a lot of experience.”
Results from Sunday’s singles between China and Asia Pacific at One Asia’s Dongfeng Nissan Cup (China names first):
Liang Wenchong beat Rhein Gibson (AUS) 4&3
Hu Mu beat Rory Hie (INA) 1up
Su Dong lost to Ryan Fox (NZL) 2&1
Yan Bin lost to Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 6&5
Wu Ashun halved with Mark Brown (NZL)
Huang Wenyi lost to Scott Laycock (AUS) 4&2
Yang Guangming lost to Nobuhiro Masuda (JPN) 2&1
Yuan Tian lost to Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) 4&3
Jin g lost to Kim Hyung-tae (KOR) 4&3
Zhang Lianwei lost to Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 5&4
Li Haotong beat Lee Jun-seok (AUS) 3&2
Chen Zihao lost to Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS) 4&3
Peter Thomson’s Asia Pacific won eight of the 12 matches on the final day of the Ryder Cup-style matchplay event, with Australian duo Ryan Fox and Scott Laycock, Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, Japanese pair Daisuke Maruyama and Nobuhiro Masuda, Korea Republic’s Kim Hyung-tae, Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines and Malaysia’s Khor Kheng Hwai all claiming victories.
China had led 4-2 after Friday’s opening fourballs, but after claiming just one win during Saturday’s foursomes to slip a point behind after two rounds, only Liang Wenchong, Hu Mu and 19-year-old Nanshan China Masters winner Li Haotong prevailed on Sunday, with the contest between New Zealand’s Mark Brown and Wu Ashun halved as Asia Pacific won the final day singles 8.1/2 - 3.1/2 en route to overall victory.
“We promised to be modest in victory and humble in defeat so you can see which one we have picked now. We played some good golf in some pretty funny conditions today and it was a good effort,” said Asia Pacific captain Thomson, who was also in charge for the successes in 2011 and 2012 as well as last year’s defeat.
“The players reacted after my plea for them to get serious and play hard after the first round. The second and third days were a surprise to us to outscore the China team, and it was beyond our wildest dreams we would win by such a margin.”
With Asia Pacific in possession of a one point lead having won four of Saturday’s foursomes, Thomson’s side started the final day well with Rhein Gibson, Rory Hie and Fox establishing early leads.
And with all 12 groups out on a damp course, Asia Pacific led in eight of matches, highlighted by Thaworn holding a commanding five hole advantage over Yan Bin through seven, with Thomson’s side only needing to claim six points to ensure the title.
That was soon extended to advantages in the final 10 matches with Thaworn five up on Yan and Laycock, Kim and Lascuna holding four holes advantages, although with Hu all square with Hie, Liang charged into a four hole lead over Gibson with seven to play.
Gibson held on until the 15th, but the Australian was unable to stop Liang completing a 4&3 win as China claimed the first point of the day to level the overall contest.
But Asia Pacific were soon back in front as Thaworn secured a 6&5 win over Yan having never trailed in the contest, losing just one hole in the process.
And Thomson’s side extended their advantage as Fox converted from four feet on the 17th green to complete a 2&1 win over Su Dong, who holed the winning putt last year as China claimed a first win following a 12.1/2 - 11.1/2 victory.
China, though, kept themselves within touching distance as Hie failed to hole a long putt on the 18th as Hu claimed a 1up victory, although Asia Pacific held leads of over at least three holes in six of the eight remaining matches.
And vice-captain Laycock was next to claim victory with a 4&2 win over Huang Wenyi, before Maruyama soon followed suit by defeating Yuan Tian 4&3 to claim a third point of the week as Asia Pacific moved into a 10.1/2 - 7.1/2 lead with Thomson’s side also ahead in four of the remaining six contests.
The fifth group of the day was the second to make it all the way to the 18th green, but Wu and Brown could not be separated and the pair were forced to settle for a half following an up-and-down contest.
But Asia Pacific’s victory was soon confirmed as Masuda edged out Yang Guangming 2&1 to also maintain his perfect record for the week, with China crucially unable to win two of the remaining four matches.
Lascuna’s 5&4 win over Zhang Lianwei and Kim’s 4&3 win over 16-year-old amateur Jin Cheng quickly followed to extend the advantage with two matches remaining.
Khor’s 4&3 win over 18-year-old Chen Zihao handed Asia Pacific an eighth and final win of the day, and despite Li beating Australia’s Lee Jun-seok 3&2, China were forced to settle for a record defeat in the tournament after Asia Pacific surpassed their 14.1/2 - 9.1/2 win in 2012 having won the maiden event 12.1/2 - 11.1/2 a year earlier.
“We lost, but it’s a good experience for our young players. Today was good and some of the China players who have a lot of experience still played well under pressure. Some of the younger players lost, but they are playing for the first time,” said China vice-captain Wang Jun.
“This format is very good for the young Chinese players who can get a lot of experience through this tournament. It’s good for the young Chinese players and good for Chinese golf fans to see what progress China has made.
“Asia Pacific had very strong players. All of them have played professional tournaments for many years, so they are very competitive and have a lot of experience.”
Results from Sunday’s singles between China and Asia Pacific at One Asia’s Dongfeng Nissan Cup (China names first):
Liang Wenchong beat Rhein Gibson (AUS) 4&3
Hu Mu beat Rory Hie (INA) 1up
Su Dong lost to Ryan Fox (NZL) 2&1
Yan Bin lost to Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 6&5
Wu Ashun halved with Mark Brown (NZL)
Huang Wenyi lost to Scott Laycock (AUS) 4&2
Yang Guangming lost to Nobuhiro Masuda (JPN) 2&1
Yuan Tian lost to Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) 4&3
Jin g lost to Kim Hyung-tae (KOR) 4&3
Zhang Lianwei lost to Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 5&4
Li Haotong beat Lee Jun-seok (AUS) 3&2
Chen Zihao lost to Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS) 4&3
George Gandranata In Fourth Place After Round 3 Of The Bank BRI Indonesia Open
Jakarta, December 7 - Padraig Harrington of Ireland fired a four-under-par 67 after completing the third round of the US$750,000 Bank BRI Indonesia Open on Sunday.
The multiple Major champion returned this morning to finish five holes for a 16-under-par 197 total to hold a four-shot lead over Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand, who birdied his closing two holes for a 71 at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course.
Due to bad weather expected on Sunday afternoon, there will not be a redraw for the final round and player start round four in the same group.
Australia’s Nathan Holman registered a 70 to lie in third position while local hope George Gandranata posted a 68 to tie for fourth with Sam Brazel of Australia on 205, eight shots behind Harrington at the Asian Tour event.
Harrington, who is aiming to win his first title in a full field event since 2010, hopes to maintain his strong momentum.
“The last thing I want to do is go out there and be negative because that gives the rest of the field a chance. It is an awkward position to be in. It is never easy to lead. It is always easy to chase,” said Harrington.
Scores after round 3 of the Bank BRI Indonesia Open (Par 71):
197 – Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) 64-66-67
201 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 67-63-71
202 – Nathan HOLMAN (AUS) 69-63-70
205 – George GANDRANATA (INA) 69-68-68, Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 68-68-69
206 – David LIPSKY (USA) 72-68-66, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 74-66-66, Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-67-68, Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 68-69-69, Scott BARR (AUS) 69-67-70
Selected:
209 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 71-67-71
214 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA) 70-70-74
216 - Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A) (INA) 69-73-73
The multiple Major champion returned this morning to finish five holes for a 16-under-par 197 total to hold a four-shot lead over Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand, who birdied his closing two holes for a 71 at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course.
Due to bad weather expected on Sunday afternoon, there will not be a redraw for the final round and player start round four in the same group.
Australia’s Nathan Holman registered a 70 to lie in third position while local hope George Gandranata posted a 68 to tie for fourth with Sam Brazel of Australia on 205, eight shots behind Harrington at the Asian Tour event.
Harrington, who is aiming to win his first title in a full field event since 2010, hopes to maintain his strong momentum.
“The last thing I want to do is go out there and be negative because that gives the rest of the field a chance. It is an awkward position to be in. It is never easy to lead. It is always easy to chase,” said Harrington.
Scores after round 3 of the Bank BRI Indonesia Open (Par 71):
197 – Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) 64-66-67
201 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 67-63-71
202 – Nathan HOLMAN (AUS) 69-63-70
205 – George GANDRANATA (INA) 69-68-68, Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 68-68-69
206 – David LIPSKY (USA) 72-68-66, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 74-66-66, Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-67-68, Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 68-69-69, Scott BARR (AUS) 69-67-70
Selected:
209 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 71-67-71
214 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA) 70-70-74
216 - Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A) (INA) 69-73-73
Saturday, December 6, 2014
George Gandranata Enters Top 5 At Bank BRI Indonesia Open
Jakarta, December 6 - Padraig Harrington of Ireland held a commanding five-shot lead at the weather interrupted Bank BRI Indonesia Open before the third round was abandoned on Saturday.
The three-time Major winner was 16-under through 13 holes before play was called off at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk course. He will return on Sunday at 6.40am alongside 44 other players to complete the round.
Playing in the same group as Harrington, Australia’s Nathan Holman was a distant five shots back while co-overnight leader Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand struggled with his driver and was 10-under through 13 holes.
Local hope George Gandranata continued his fine run at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event where he sits on eight-under after playing 16 holes.
His countryman Jordan Irawan is currently at 3-under after 16 holes, while amateurs Tirto Tamardi (74) is at 1-over and Fadhli Rahman Soetarso is at 2-over with one hole to go. Johannes Dermawan retired from the tournament.
Harrington, who is aiming to win his first title since 2012, hopes to stay positive as he prepares for a 23-hole marathon finale on Sunday.
“I was doing nicely. I got a good start and holed a couple of putts at the right time. I didn’t do too many mistakes but it is always difficult when you have the lead. You are a little bit cautious and it is something which I have to deal with.
“The last thing I want to do is go out there and be negative because that gives the rest of the field a chance. It is an awkward position to be in. It is never easy to lead. It is always easy to chase,” said Harrington, who marked his card with four birdies.
Holman struggled to repeat his second round heroics where he posted a brilliant 63. The Australian needs a huge result this week to have a chance of retaining his Asian Tour card for the 2015 season.
“I didn’t have real momentum going. The suspension didn’t really affect anything. Obviously you can learn quite a bit from Padraig Harrington and it has been really nice playing with him. Hope to get a good night’s sleep and see what happens tomorrow,” said Holman, ranked 95th on the Merit list.
Thanyakon, who is chasing for a first Asian Tour win, rued poor tee shots as he stumbled to four bogeys against two birdies. He gave himself a lifeline when he birdied the 13th hole before play was called off for the day.
“I was hitting my driver to the left today. It was very disappointing and I couldn’t recover from that. It really hurt my score. I was also struggling to judge the speed of the greens. Hopefully I can bounce back,” said the 24-year-old Thai.
The third round will resume at 06.40am tomorrow morning.
The three-time Major winner was 16-under through 13 holes before play was called off at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk course. He will return on Sunday at 6.40am alongside 44 other players to complete the round.
Playing in the same group as Harrington, Australia’s Nathan Holman was a distant five shots back while co-overnight leader Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand struggled with his driver and was 10-under through 13 holes.
Local hope George Gandranata continued his fine run at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event where he sits on eight-under after playing 16 holes.
His countryman Jordan Irawan is currently at 3-under after 16 holes, while amateurs Tirto Tamardi (74) is at 1-over and Fadhli Rahman Soetarso is at 2-over with one hole to go. Johannes Dermawan retired from the tournament.
Harrington, who is aiming to win his first title since 2012, hopes to stay positive as he prepares for a 23-hole marathon finale on Sunday.
“I was doing nicely. I got a good start and holed a couple of putts at the right time. I didn’t do too many mistakes but it is always difficult when you have the lead. You are a little bit cautious and it is something which I have to deal with.
“The last thing I want to do is go out there and be negative because that gives the rest of the field a chance. It is an awkward position to be in. It is never easy to lead. It is always easy to chase,” said Harrington, who marked his card with four birdies.
Holman struggled to repeat his second round heroics where he posted a brilliant 63. The Australian needs a huge result this week to have a chance of retaining his Asian Tour card for the 2015 season.
“I didn’t have real momentum going. The suspension didn’t really affect anything. Obviously you can learn quite a bit from Padraig Harrington and it has been really nice playing with him. Hope to get a good night’s sleep and see what happens tomorrow,” said Holman, ranked 95th on the Merit list.
Thanyakon, who is chasing for a first Asian Tour win, rued poor tee shots as he stumbled to four bogeys against two birdies. He gave himself a lifeline when he birdied the 13th hole before play was called off for the day.
“I was hitting my driver to the left today. It was very disappointing and I couldn’t recover from that. It really hurt my score. I was also struggling to judge the speed of the greens. Hopefully I can bounce back,” said the 24-year-old Thai.
The third round will resume at 06.40am tomorrow morning.
Asia-Pacific Bounce Back To Lead China In Dongfeng Nissan Cup
GUANGZHOU, China, Dec 6 – Asia Pacific will take a one point lead over defending champions China into Sunday’s decisive singles at OneAsia’s Dongfeng Nissan Cup after Peter Thomson’s two-time winners won four of Saturday’s alternate shot foursomes at Foison Golf Club.
New Zealand duo Ryan Fox and Mark Brown claimed a 4&2 win over Yan Bin and Yang Guangming, while Australian pair Scott Laycock and Rhein Gibson beat Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong 3&2 on the 6,997 yard Haworth Golf Course layout.
And with Japanese team Daisuke Maruyama and Nobuhiro Masuda claiming a 2&1 win over Li Haotong and Hu Mu, and Korea Republic’s Kim Hyung-tae and Australia’s Lee Jun-seok edging out Wu Ashun and Su Dong 1up, Asia Pacific erased a 4-2 deficit from Friday’s opening fourballs.
“I feel a lot better than yesterday. We played really solid all day and managed to not hit each other into trouble, which is probably the most important part in foursomes. We got up early and didn’t give the other guys too much of a chance coming home, which is always nice,” said Fox, who finished seventh at last week’s Emirates Australian Open, having lost 1up to Wu and Su on Friday alongside Brown.
“We both hit it quite well today and started to roll some pretty good putts without anything going in, so hopefully we can keep it going for tomorrow.”
China had started the second day of the Ryder Cup-style matchplay event well, but the defending champions claimed just one win during the alternate shot format as Huang Wenyi and Yuan Tian edged out Indonesia’s Rory Hie and Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines 1up, while the match between Chen Zihao and Jin Cheng and Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant and Khor Kheng Hwai of Malaysia ended all square.
“I asked the team for some more effort as this is a serious tournament and they responded,” said Asia Pacific captain and five-time Open champion Thomson, who is seeking third Dongfeng Nissan Cup victory.
Holding a two point advantage from Friday’s opening fourballs, China continued their form from the previous day as Huang and Yuan claimed the opening hole against fellow first day winners Hie and Lascuna.
Hie and Lascuna quickly responded at the next hole, although Wu and Su soon quickly raced into a two hole lead over Kim and Lee in the day’s second group.
China extended their lead with advantages in the first three groups, although Asia Pacific responded to claim lead in the final three groups on the course.
Defending champions China did briefly move into a claim of the lead in four of the groups, with Wu and Su holding a four hole lead over Kim and Lee through eight.
But Asia Pacific soon took control of the day to lead in four matches with all the groups either at or either side of the turn, highlighted by Fox and Brown building a four hole advantage over Yan and Yang through nine.
The blue of Asia Pacific continued to dominate the leaderboard, and with the day’s first group heading to the 18th green level, Thomson’s side led in five matches.
And Asia Pacific eventually claimed the first point of the day on the 16th fairway as Fox and Brown completed a 4&2 win over Yan and Yang as the China pair conceded the hole after finding trouble off the fairway, with their opponents safely on the green of the 616 yard par five in three.
But China quickly responded as Huang holed a dramatic putt from six feet on the final green to claim a hard-fought 1up victory over Hie and Lascuna having levelled the evenly-matched contest with five to play.
Asia Pacific, though, still led in the remaining four matches and soon added a second point of the day as Maruyama’s putt on the 17th completed a 2&1 victory over Li and Hu despite having lost the first three holes.
And Asia Pacific levelled the overall tie as vice-captain Laycock and compatriot Gibson secured a 3&2 win over Zhang and Liang despite having let slip a two hole lead through seven.
That lead was extended as a fourth point of the day arrived on the final green as Kim held his nerve to convert from three feet to seal 1up victory over Wu and Su.
A third match of the day also went all the way to the final green and Jin had a chance to level the contest heading into Sunday, but the teenage amateur missed from eight feet allowing Thaworn and Khor to claim a half despite having been two up with five holes remaining.
‘It was a very exciting round today. We played well and finally won on the last hole. We played each shot at a time and we believed we could win today,” said Huang after also beating Kim and Lee 2&1 in Friday’s fourballs alongside Yuan.
“I co-operated with Yuan Tian. We trust each other and we encouraged each other. We also enjoyed today and that’s important.”
Results from Saturday’s foursomes between China and Asia Pacific at One Asia’s Dongfeng Nissan Cup (China names first):
Huang Wenyi & Yuan Tian beat Rory Hie (INA) & Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 1up
Wu Ashun & Su Dong lost to Kim Hyung-tae (KOR) & Lee Jun-seok (AUS) 1up
Li Haotong & Hu Mu lost to Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) & Nobuhiro Masuda (JPN) 2&1
Chen Zihao & Jin Cheng halved with Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) & Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS)
Yan Bin & Yang Guangming lost to Ryan Fox (NZL) & Mark Brown (NZL) 4&2
Zhang Lianwei & Liang Wenchong lost to Scott Laycock (AUS) & Rhein Gibson (AUS) 3&2
Draw for Sunday’s singles between China and Asia Pacific (China names first):
Liang Wenchong v Rhein Gibson (AUS)
Hu Mu v Rory Hie (INA)
Su Dong v Ryan Fox (NZL)
Yan Bin v Thaworn Wiratchant (THA)
Wu Ashun v Mark Brown (NZL)
Huang Wenyi v Scott Laycock (AUS)
Yang Guangming v Nobuhiro Masuda (JPN)
Yuan Tian v Daisuke Maruyama (JPN)
Jin Cheng v Kim Hyung-tae (KOR)
Zhang Lianwei v Antonio Lascuna (PHI) Li Haotong v Lee Jun-seok (AUS) Chen Zihao v Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS)
New Zealand duo Ryan Fox and Mark Brown claimed a 4&2 win over Yan Bin and Yang Guangming, while Australian pair Scott Laycock and Rhein Gibson beat Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong 3&2 on the 6,997 yard Haworth Golf Course layout.
And with Japanese team Daisuke Maruyama and Nobuhiro Masuda claiming a 2&1 win over Li Haotong and Hu Mu, and Korea Republic’s Kim Hyung-tae and Australia’s Lee Jun-seok edging out Wu Ashun and Su Dong 1up, Asia Pacific erased a 4-2 deficit from Friday’s opening fourballs.
“I feel a lot better than yesterday. We played really solid all day and managed to not hit each other into trouble, which is probably the most important part in foursomes. We got up early and didn’t give the other guys too much of a chance coming home, which is always nice,” said Fox, who finished seventh at last week’s Emirates Australian Open, having lost 1up to Wu and Su on Friday alongside Brown.
“We both hit it quite well today and started to roll some pretty good putts without anything going in, so hopefully we can keep it going for tomorrow.”
China had started the second day of the Ryder Cup-style matchplay event well, but the defending champions claimed just one win during the alternate shot format as Huang Wenyi and Yuan Tian edged out Indonesia’s Rory Hie and Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines 1up, while the match between Chen Zihao and Jin Cheng and Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant and Khor Kheng Hwai of Malaysia ended all square.
“I asked the team for some more effort as this is a serious tournament and they responded,” said Asia Pacific captain and five-time Open champion Thomson, who is seeking third Dongfeng Nissan Cup victory.
Holding a two point advantage from Friday’s opening fourballs, China continued their form from the previous day as Huang and Yuan claimed the opening hole against fellow first day winners Hie and Lascuna.
Hie and Lascuna quickly responded at the next hole, although Wu and Su soon quickly raced into a two hole lead over Kim and Lee in the day’s second group.
China extended their lead with advantages in the first three groups, although Asia Pacific responded to claim lead in the final three groups on the course.
Defending champions China did briefly move into a claim of the lead in four of the groups, with Wu and Su holding a four hole lead over Kim and Lee through eight.
But Asia Pacific soon took control of the day to lead in four matches with all the groups either at or either side of the turn, highlighted by Fox and Brown building a four hole advantage over Yan and Yang through nine.
The blue of Asia Pacific continued to dominate the leaderboard, and with the day’s first group heading to the 18th green level, Thomson’s side led in five matches.
And Asia Pacific eventually claimed the first point of the day on the 16th fairway as Fox and Brown completed a 4&2 win over Yan and Yang as the China pair conceded the hole after finding trouble off the fairway, with their opponents safely on the green of the 616 yard par five in three.
But China quickly responded as Huang holed a dramatic putt from six feet on the final green to claim a hard-fought 1up victory over Hie and Lascuna having levelled the evenly-matched contest with five to play.
Asia Pacific, though, still led in the remaining four matches and soon added a second point of the day as Maruyama’s putt on the 17th completed a 2&1 victory over Li and Hu despite having lost the first three holes.
And Asia Pacific levelled the overall tie as vice-captain Laycock and compatriot Gibson secured a 3&2 win over Zhang and Liang despite having let slip a two hole lead through seven.
That lead was extended as a fourth point of the day arrived on the final green as Kim held his nerve to convert from three feet to seal 1up victory over Wu and Su.
A third match of the day also went all the way to the final green and Jin had a chance to level the contest heading into Sunday, but the teenage amateur missed from eight feet allowing Thaworn and Khor to claim a half despite having been two up with five holes remaining.
‘It was a very exciting round today. We played well and finally won on the last hole. We played each shot at a time and we believed we could win today,” said Huang after also beating Kim and Lee 2&1 in Friday’s fourballs alongside Yuan.
“I co-operated with Yuan Tian. We trust each other and we encouraged each other. We also enjoyed today and that’s important.”
Results from Saturday’s foursomes between China and Asia Pacific at One Asia’s Dongfeng Nissan Cup (China names first):
Huang Wenyi & Yuan Tian beat Rory Hie (INA) & Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 1up
Wu Ashun & Su Dong lost to Kim Hyung-tae (KOR) & Lee Jun-seok (AUS) 1up
Li Haotong & Hu Mu lost to Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) & Nobuhiro Masuda (JPN) 2&1
Chen Zihao & Jin Cheng halved with Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) & Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS)
Yan Bin & Yang Guangming lost to Ryan Fox (NZL) & Mark Brown (NZL) 4&2
Zhang Lianwei & Liang Wenchong lost to Scott Laycock (AUS) & Rhein Gibson (AUS) 3&2
Draw for Sunday’s singles between China and Asia Pacific (China names first):
Liang Wenchong v Rhein Gibson (AUS)
Hu Mu v Rory Hie (INA)
Su Dong v Ryan Fox (NZL)
Yan Bin v Thaworn Wiratchant (THA)
Wu Ashun v Mark Brown (NZL)
Huang Wenyi v Scott Laycock (AUS)
Yang Guangming v Nobuhiro Masuda (JPN)
Yuan Tian v Daisuke Maruyama (JPN)
Jin Cheng v Kim Hyung-tae (KOR)
Zhang Lianwei v Antonio Lascuna (PHI) Li Haotong v Lee Jun-seok (AUS) Chen Zihao v Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS)
2 Local Amateurs Make The Cut At Bank BRI Indonesia Open
Jakarta, December 6 - Padraig Harrington of Ireland struggled to take advantage of the calm morning conditions on Saturday as he tied for the second round lead with Thanyakon Khrongpha at the Bank BRI Indonesia Open.
The three-time Major winner was five-under through 12-holes on Friday which included an opening eagle before the halfway stage of the US$750,000 Asian Tour event was suspended due to inclement weather.
With a 4.50am morning call, Harrington returned to the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course to finish with six straight pars for a 12-under-par 130 total which matched Thanyakon’s efforts yesterday.
“It was nice conditions and obviously I would like to make a few birdies this morning. But that happens and thankfully it was only six holes. Hopefully I will hit it a bit closer and make a few putts in the afternoon,” said Harrington.
Nathan Holman of Australia was a further two shots back following an impressive 63 while Jarin Todd after matching Thanyakon’s efforts of 63, while Scott Hend and Jarin Todd of the United States shot identical 64s for a 133 total.
The Indonesian squad was able to fight back when Johannes Dermawan (71) as well as amateurs tirto Tamardi (70) and Fadhli Rahman Soetarso (73) where able to score enough birdies to make it into the weekend, together with George Gandranata (68) and Jordan Irawan (67) who already finished their round on Friday.
The halfway cut was set at one-over-par 143 with a total of 72 players qualifying for the weekend rounds. Title holder Gaganjeet Bhullar crashed out from the event after finishing two shots over the mark.
Scores after round 2 of the Bank BRI Indonesia Open (Par 71):
(Indonesian unless stated, A denotes amateur)
130 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 67-63, Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) 64-66
132 – Nathan HOLMAN (AUS) 69-63
133 – Jarin TODD (USA) 69-64, Scott HEND (AUS) 69-64
134 – Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 63-71
135 – Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 69-66
136 – WANG Jeung-hun (KOR) 70-66, Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 68-68, Bryce EASTON (RSA) 67-69, Scott BARR (AUS) 69-67
Selected:
137 – George GANDRANATA 69-68
138 - Jordan IRAWAN 71-67
140 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) 70-70
142 - Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A) 69-73
143 - Johannes DERMAWAN 72-71
Missing the cut:
144 - Jamel ONDO 75-69
146 - William SJAICHUDIN 77-69, Andik MAULUDIN 72-74
147 - Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO 77-70
149 - Ian ANDREW 76-73, Junaidi IBRAHIM 74-75
150 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO 76-74, Fahmi REZA 76-74
151 - Calvin ALAN (A) 79-72
152 - Indra HERMAWAN 74-78, I Ketut SUGIARTA 78-74
153 - Zaki AULIYAN (A) 73-80
154 - Joshua Andrew WIRAWAN 79-75, Dominikus GLENN (A) 78-76
155 - Bramantio ADI 79-76
156 - Cahyo ADHITOMO (A) 76-80, Kevin C. AKBAR (A) 80-76
157 - Anugerah BAGINDA (A) 79-78, Rizchy SUBEKTI (A) 77-80, Asep CAPRIE 74-83
158 - Fajar WINURYANTO 80-78
161 - Asep SAEFULLOH 81-80
162 - Ramadhan ALWIE 83-79
168 - Jon CAHYADI (A) 83-85, Rafa SALMUN (A) 85-83
The three-time Major winner was five-under through 12-holes on Friday which included an opening eagle before the halfway stage of the US$750,000 Asian Tour event was suspended due to inclement weather.
With a 4.50am morning call, Harrington returned to the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course to finish with six straight pars for a 12-under-par 130 total which matched Thanyakon’s efforts yesterday.
“It was nice conditions and obviously I would like to make a few birdies this morning. But that happens and thankfully it was only six holes. Hopefully I will hit it a bit closer and make a few putts in the afternoon,” said Harrington.
Nathan Holman of Australia was a further two shots back following an impressive 63 while Jarin Todd after matching Thanyakon’s efforts of 63, while Scott Hend and Jarin Todd of the United States shot identical 64s for a 133 total.
The Indonesian squad was able to fight back when Johannes Dermawan (71) as well as amateurs tirto Tamardi (70) and Fadhli Rahman Soetarso (73) where able to score enough birdies to make it into the weekend, together with George Gandranata (68) and Jordan Irawan (67) who already finished their round on Friday.
The halfway cut was set at one-over-par 143 with a total of 72 players qualifying for the weekend rounds. Title holder Gaganjeet Bhullar crashed out from the event after finishing two shots over the mark.
Scores after round 2 of the Bank BRI Indonesia Open (Par 71):
(Indonesian unless stated, A denotes amateur)
130 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 67-63, Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) 64-66
132 – Nathan HOLMAN (AUS) 69-63
133 – Jarin TODD (USA) 69-64, Scott HEND (AUS) 69-64
134 – Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 63-71
135 – Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 69-66
136 – WANG Jeung-hun (KOR) 70-66, Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 68-68, Bryce EASTON (RSA) 67-69, Scott BARR (AUS) 69-67
Selected:
137 – George GANDRANATA 69-68
138 - Jordan IRAWAN 71-67
140 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) 70-70
142 - Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A) 69-73
143 - Johannes DERMAWAN 72-71
Missing the cut:
144 - Jamel ONDO 75-69
146 - William SJAICHUDIN 77-69, Andik MAULUDIN 72-74
147 - Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO 77-70
149 - Ian ANDREW 76-73, Junaidi IBRAHIM 74-75
150 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO 76-74, Fahmi REZA 76-74
151 - Calvin ALAN (A) 79-72
152 - Indra HERMAWAN 74-78, I Ketut SUGIARTA 78-74
153 - Zaki AULIYAN (A) 73-80
154 - Joshua Andrew WIRAWAN 79-75, Dominikus GLENN (A) 78-76
155 - Bramantio ADI 79-76
156 - Cahyo ADHITOMO (A) 76-80, Kevin C. AKBAR (A) 80-76
157 - Anugerah BAGINDA (A) 79-78, Rizchy SUBEKTI (A) 77-80, Asep CAPRIE 74-83
158 - Fajar WINURYANTO 80-78
161 - Asep SAEFULLOH 81-80
162 - Ramadhan ALWIE 83-79
168 - Jon CAHYADI (A) 83-85, Rafa SALMUN (A) 85-83
Friday, December 5, 2014
George Gandranata Enters Top Ten At Bank BRI Indonesia Open
Jakarta, December 5 - In-form Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand fired a superb eight-under-par 63 to seize the clubhouse lead as Padraig Harrington’s charge was stopped by bad weather at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open on Friday.
The slightly-built Thai produced a near perfect card in the calm morning conditions which included nine birdies before stumbling to a lone bogey on his last hole to settle for a 12-under-par 130 total at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course.
Multiple Major winner Harrington negotiated his way in 12-under through 12 holes before the US$750,000 halfway stage was called off for the day due to inclement weather. The Irishman and 66 other players will resume play at 6.30am on Saturday.
Among the players who finished their rounds include Asian Tour rookie Nathan Holman of Australia, who was two shots back after matching Thanyakon’s efforts of 63, while Scott Hend and Jarin Todd of the United States shot identical 64s for a 133 total.
George Gandranata (68) continued his good form and provisionally entered the top ten, and is being challenged for top Indonesian player by Jordan Irawan, who fired a 67 and is now one shot behind George. However the rest of the home field will likely not make the cut that currently is projected at +1 (143).
The slightly built Thanyakon continued his rich vein of form after securing two top-five results in Japan and Chiangmai in the last three weeks. He is beginning to reap the rewards of working with his coach Andrew Knott since 2013.
“Everything in my game was good especially my ball striking. I hit a lot of shots for close range birdies. The longest birdie of the day was on the seventh hole from 30 feet,” said the 24-year-old Thanyakon.
“I enjoyed a good run after turning professional in 2010 but after that I didn’t do too well because I had no confidence in my swing. Mentally I was not strong enough. Then last year, I worked with Andrew and I’ve really improved since then,” he explained.
Harrington, a three-time Major winner, was five-under at the turn courtesy of an opening eagle which he holed from 15 feet. He marked his card with another bogey and birdie before play was abandoned.
“I had a nice start. I hit a nice drive and a five iron to about 15 feet for eagle. I birdied the next two as well. It was nice to be four-under after three holes. I didn’t play quite solid after that but we’ll have to see if I can finish strongly tomorrow,” said Harrington.
“The course is playing nicely. There was a bit of wind in the afternoon which made it trickier. As I play more rounds I get to know the course a little better. I have an early wake-up call tomorrow so hopefully I can continue to do well,” he explained.
Tour rookie Holman took advantage of the ideal scoring conditions without shooting a single bogey. Currently ranked 95th on the Order of Merit, the Australian is spurred on by the thought of saving his card for next year.
“I’m looking to play on the Asian Tour until the end of the year and try to keep my card. Keeping my card is definitely on my mind and it is spurring me on a little bit. Anytime you shoot in the low 60s when you got something on the line is always good,” said Holman.
Big-hitting Hend, who won his first Asian Tour title on this course in 2008, eagled the 13th hole from eight feet to charge into contention.
“I had some loose shots coming in and I’m a bit lucky to make some par putts and saves. I hit it good on the first nine and not so good on the back so it even out. Now I’m in a nice position,” said Hend, a six-time Asian Tour winner.
Scores after round 2 of the Bank BRI Indonesia Open (Par 71):
(Indonesian unless stated, A denotes amateur)
130 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 67-63
132 – Nathan HOLMAN (AUS) 69-63
133 – Jarin TODD (USA) 69-64, Scott HEND (AUS) 69-64
137 – Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 70-67, Chris RODGERS (ENG) 69-68, George GANDRANATA 69-68, Blair WILSON (AUS) 68-69
138 – Jordan IRAWAN 71-67, Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-67
Selected:
144 - Jamel ONDO 75-69
146 - William SJAICHUDIN 77-69, Andik MAULUDIN 72-74
147 - Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO 77-70
149 - Ian ANDREW 76-73
150 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO 76-74
152 - Indra HERMAWAN 74-78, I Ketut SUGIARTA 78-74
154 - Joshua Andrew WIRAWAN 79-75, Dominikus GLENN (A) 78-76
155 - Bramantio ADI 79-76
156 - Cahyo ADHITOMO (A) 76-80, Kevin C. AKBAR (A) 80-76
157 - Anugerah BAGINDA (A) 79-78
158 - Fajar WINURYANTO 80-78
161 - Asep SAEFULLOH 81-80
162 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA)
Still to complete the second round:
-12 - Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) 64 -5 (12)
-7 - Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 68 -4 (12), Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 63 +1 (11)
-6 - Danny CHIA (MAS) 68 -3 (13)
-5 - Bryce EASTON (RSA) 67 -1 (10)
+2 - Johannes DERMAWAN 72 +1 (15)
+3 - Junaidi IBRAHIM 74 Par (9)
+5 - Benny KASIADI 75 +1(16)
+7 - Fahmi REZA 76 +2(8)
+8 - Calvin ALAN (A) 79 Par (9)
+10 - Rizchy SUBEKTI (A) 77 +4 (16), Zaki AULIYAN (A) 73 +8 (16)
+11 - Asep CAPRIE 74 +8 (12), Ilyasyak 82 Par (9)
+16 - Jon CAHYADI (A) 83 +4 (8)
+20 - Rafa SALMUN (A) 85 +6 (8)
The slightly-built Thai produced a near perfect card in the calm morning conditions which included nine birdies before stumbling to a lone bogey on his last hole to settle for a 12-under-par 130 total at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course.
Multiple Major winner Harrington negotiated his way in 12-under through 12 holes before the US$750,000 halfway stage was called off for the day due to inclement weather. The Irishman and 66 other players will resume play at 6.30am on Saturday.
Among the players who finished their rounds include Asian Tour rookie Nathan Holman of Australia, who was two shots back after matching Thanyakon’s efforts of 63, while Scott Hend and Jarin Todd of the United States shot identical 64s for a 133 total.
George Gandranata (68) continued his good form and provisionally entered the top ten, and is being challenged for top Indonesian player by Jordan Irawan, who fired a 67 and is now one shot behind George. However the rest of the home field will likely not make the cut that currently is projected at +1 (143).
The slightly built Thanyakon continued his rich vein of form after securing two top-five results in Japan and Chiangmai in the last three weeks. He is beginning to reap the rewards of working with his coach Andrew Knott since 2013.
“Everything in my game was good especially my ball striking. I hit a lot of shots for close range birdies. The longest birdie of the day was on the seventh hole from 30 feet,” said the 24-year-old Thanyakon.
“I enjoyed a good run after turning professional in 2010 but after that I didn’t do too well because I had no confidence in my swing. Mentally I was not strong enough. Then last year, I worked with Andrew and I’ve really improved since then,” he explained.
Harrington, a three-time Major winner, was five-under at the turn courtesy of an opening eagle which he holed from 15 feet. He marked his card with another bogey and birdie before play was abandoned.
“I had a nice start. I hit a nice drive and a five iron to about 15 feet for eagle. I birdied the next two as well. It was nice to be four-under after three holes. I didn’t play quite solid after that but we’ll have to see if I can finish strongly tomorrow,” said Harrington.
“The course is playing nicely. There was a bit of wind in the afternoon which made it trickier. As I play more rounds I get to know the course a little better. I have an early wake-up call tomorrow so hopefully I can continue to do well,” he explained.
Tour rookie Holman took advantage of the ideal scoring conditions without shooting a single bogey. Currently ranked 95th on the Order of Merit, the Australian is spurred on by the thought of saving his card for next year.
“I’m looking to play on the Asian Tour until the end of the year and try to keep my card. Keeping my card is definitely on my mind and it is spurring me on a little bit. Anytime you shoot in the low 60s when you got something on the line is always good,” said Holman.
Big-hitting Hend, who won his first Asian Tour title on this course in 2008, eagled the 13th hole from eight feet to charge into contention.
“I had some loose shots coming in and I’m a bit lucky to make some par putts and saves. I hit it good on the first nine and not so good on the back so it even out. Now I’m in a nice position,” said Hend, a six-time Asian Tour winner.
Scores after round 2 of the Bank BRI Indonesia Open (Par 71):
(Indonesian unless stated, A denotes amateur)
130 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 67-63
132 – Nathan HOLMAN (AUS) 69-63
133 – Jarin TODD (USA) 69-64, Scott HEND (AUS) 69-64
137 – Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 70-67, Chris RODGERS (ENG) 69-68, George GANDRANATA 69-68, Blair WILSON (AUS) 68-69
138 – Jordan IRAWAN 71-67, Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-67
Selected:
144 - Jamel ONDO 75-69
146 - William SJAICHUDIN 77-69, Andik MAULUDIN 72-74
147 - Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO 77-70
149 - Ian ANDREW 76-73
150 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO 76-74
152 - Indra HERMAWAN 74-78, I Ketut SUGIARTA 78-74
154 - Joshua Andrew WIRAWAN 79-75, Dominikus GLENN (A) 78-76
155 - Bramantio ADI 79-76
156 - Cahyo ADHITOMO (A) 76-80, Kevin C. AKBAR (A) 80-76
157 - Anugerah BAGINDA (A) 79-78
158 - Fajar WINURYANTO 80-78
161 - Asep SAEFULLOH 81-80
162 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA)
Still to complete the second round:
-12 - Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) 64 -5 (12)
-7 - Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 68 -4 (12), Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 63 +1 (11)
-6 - Danny CHIA (MAS) 68 -3 (13)
-5 - Bryce EASTON (RSA) 67 -1 (10)
+2 - Johannes DERMAWAN 72 +1 (15)
+3 - Junaidi IBRAHIM 74 Par (9)
+5 - Benny KASIADI 75 +1(16)
+7 - Fahmi REZA 76 +2(8)
+8 - Calvin ALAN (A) 79 Par (9)
+10 - Rizchy SUBEKTI (A) 77 +4 (16), Zaki AULIYAN (A) 73 +8 (16)
+11 - Asep CAPRIE 74 +8 (12), Ilyasyak 82 Par (9)
+16 - Jon CAHYADI (A) 83 +4 (8)
+20 - Rafa SALMUN (A) 85 +6 (8)
China Takes Lead In Dongfeng Nissan Cup
GUANGZHOU, China, Dec 5 – Teenagers Chen Zihao and amateur Jin Cheng posted an eye-catching 7&5 win over Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant and Malaysia’s Khor Kheng Hwai as defending champions China claimed a 4-2 lead over Asia Pacific following Friday’s opening day fourballs at OneAsia’s Dongfeng Nissan Cup.
Liang Wenchong and Hu Mu also beat Australian duo Scott Laycock and Rhien Gibson 3&2, while Wu Ashun and Su Dong edged out New Zealand pair Mark Brown and Ryan Fox 1 up and Yuan Tian and Huang Wenyi beat Korea Republic’s Kim Hyung-tae and Lee Jun-seok 2&1 at Foison Golf Club.
Indonesia’s Rory Hie and Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines were able to complete a 5&3 victory over Yan Bin and Yang Guangming for Asia Pacific while Japanese duo Daisuke Maruyama and Nobuhiro Masuda edged out Zhang Lianwei and Li Haotong 1 up, although Peter Thomson’s two-time champions must re-group ahead of Saturday’s foursomes.
“It’s our first time to play professional matchplay so we tried to enjoy the game. We both made birdies on the second hole which gave us confidence,” said 18-year-old Chen, who only turned professional six weeks ago.
“The greens were very tough, but tomorrow we will play together again and we believe we will co-operate better.
“Jin made an eagle and we led by four holes on the back nine. And then for the back nine we played more confidently. We played very well today.”
Asia Pacific had drawn the first flood of the day as Fox, playing in the second group with compatriot Brown, put up the first blue number with a birdie at the opening hole.
But China soon established their dominance on the day and, with all six groups on the course, the leaderboard soon began to fill up with red as the defending champions led in three matches.
Asia Pacific did hit back to level the contest as the day progressed, but with all the other matches close, teenagers Chen and amateur Jin remained in control of their contest with Thaworn and Khor.
That advantage, though, was countered by with Hie and Lascuna holding a similar lead over Yan and Yang in the final group.
But it was China who claimed the first point of the opening day as Chen holed a putt from 25 feet on the 13th green for birdie to seal an emphatic 7&5 win over Thaworn and Khor after 16-year-old team-mate Jin had earlier eagled the 451 yard par four ninth after holing out from the fairway.
And China’s lead was soon doubled as Liang and Hu completed a hard-fought 3&2 win over Asia Pacific vice-captain Laycock and fellow Australian compatriot Gibson.
A third consecutive win soon arrived as Wu and Su, who holed the winning putt for China last year, edged out Brown and Fox 1up.
There was, though, finally a bright note for beleaguered Asia Pacific as Hie and Lascuna completed a 5&3 victory over Yan and Yang after the Chinese pair had been five down through seven holes, with the Indonesian sealing the point as he chipped in from a bunker at the side of the 15th green.
And Asia Pacific further reduced the deficit as Li missed from two feet on the final green which would have secured a half for himself and Zhang, allowing Japanese duo Maruyama and Masuda to claim the win despite having let slip a two hole advantage at the turn.
China, though, were guaranteed a first day advantage as Yuan and Huang held an unassailable advantage over Kim and Lee with four holes to play.
The Korean pair did manage to take the match to the 17th green, but with Kim unable to hole a putt from 10 feet, China claimed a fourth win of the day and a two point advantage heading into Saturday’s foursomes.
“Even though China had glory on the opening day, there is still more golf to play,” said Asia Pacific captain Thomson, who led the side to Dongfeng Nissan Cup wins in 2011 and 2012.
“The result proves that the China team is the strongest team from China since the Dongfeng Nissan Cup started so we hope to play exceptionally well from now and turn the contest in our favor.
“We also have a strong team and I hope they are seen at the same level as China by the end.”
Results from Friday’s fourballs between China and Asia Pacific at One Asia’s Dongfeng Nissan Cup being played at Foison Golf Club in Guangzhou (China names first):
Liang Wenchong & Hu Mu beat Scott Laycock (AUS) & Rhein Gibson (AUS) 3&2
Wu Ashun & Su Dong beat Mark Brown (NZL) & Ryan Fox (NZL) 1up
Chen Zihao & Jin Cheng beat Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) & Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS) 7&5
Zhang Lianwei & Li Haotong lost to Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) & Nobuhiro Masuda (JPN) 1up
Yuan Tian & Huang Wenyi beat Kim Hyung-tae (KOR) & Lee Jun-seok (KOR) 2&1
Yan Bin & Yang Guangming lost to Rory Hie (INA) & Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 5&3
Draw for Saturday’s foursomes:
Huang Wenyi & Yuan Tian v Rory Hie (INA) & Antonio Lascuna (PHI)
Wu Ashun & Su Dong v Kim Hyung-tae (KOR) & Lee Jun-seok (KOR)
Li Haotong & Hu Mu v Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) & Nobuhiro Masuda
Chen Zihao & Jin Cheng v Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) & Khor Kheng Hwai
Yan Bin & Yang Guangming v Ryan Fox (NZL) & Mark Brown (NZL)
Zhang Lianwei & Liang Wenchong v Scott Laycock (AUS) & Rhein Gibson (AUS)
Liang Wenchong and Hu Mu also beat Australian duo Scott Laycock and Rhien Gibson 3&2, while Wu Ashun and Su Dong edged out New Zealand pair Mark Brown and Ryan Fox 1 up and Yuan Tian and Huang Wenyi beat Korea Republic’s Kim Hyung-tae and Lee Jun-seok 2&1 at Foison Golf Club.
Indonesia’s Rory Hie and Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines were able to complete a 5&3 victory over Yan Bin and Yang Guangming for Asia Pacific while Japanese duo Daisuke Maruyama and Nobuhiro Masuda edged out Zhang Lianwei and Li Haotong 1 up, although Peter Thomson’s two-time champions must re-group ahead of Saturday’s foursomes.
“It’s our first time to play professional matchplay so we tried to enjoy the game. We both made birdies on the second hole which gave us confidence,” said 18-year-old Chen, who only turned professional six weeks ago.
“The greens were very tough, but tomorrow we will play together again and we believe we will co-operate better.
“Jin made an eagle and we led by four holes on the back nine. And then for the back nine we played more confidently. We played very well today.”
Asia Pacific had drawn the first flood of the day as Fox, playing in the second group with compatriot Brown, put up the first blue number with a birdie at the opening hole.
But China soon established their dominance on the day and, with all six groups on the course, the leaderboard soon began to fill up with red as the defending champions led in three matches.
Asia Pacific did hit back to level the contest as the day progressed, but with all the other matches close, teenagers Chen and amateur Jin remained in control of their contest with Thaworn and Khor.
That advantage, though, was countered by with Hie and Lascuna holding a similar lead over Yan and Yang in the final group.
But it was China who claimed the first point of the opening day as Chen holed a putt from 25 feet on the 13th green for birdie to seal an emphatic 7&5 win over Thaworn and Khor after 16-year-old team-mate Jin had earlier eagled the 451 yard par four ninth after holing out from the fairway.
And China’s lead was soon doubled as Liang and Hu completed a hard-fought 3&2 win over Asia Pacific vice-captain Laycock and fellow Australian compatriot Gibson.
A third consecutive win soon arrived as Wu and Su, who holed the winning putt for China last year, edged out Brown and Fox 1up.
There was, though, finally a bright note for beleaguered Asia Pacific as Hie and Lascuna completed a 5&3 victory over Yan and Yang after the Chinese pair had been five down through seven holes, with the Indonesian sealing the point as he chipped in from a bunker at the side of the 15th green.
And Asia Pacific further reduced the deficit as Li missed from two feet on the final green which would have secured a half for himself and Zhang, allowing Japanese duo Maruyama and Masuda to claim the win despite having let slip a two hole advantage at the turn.
China, though, were guaranteed a first day advantage as Yuan and Huang held an unassailable advantage over Kim and Lee with four holes to play.
The Korean pair did manage to take the match to the 17th green, but with Kim unable to hole a putt from 10 feet, China claimed a fourth win of the day and a two point advantage heading into Saturday’s foursomes.
“Even though China had glory on the opening day, there is still more golf to play,” said Asia Pacific captain Thomson, who led the side to Dongfeng Nissan Cup wins in 2011 and 2012.
“The result proves that the China team is the strongest team from China since the Dongfeng Nissan Cup started so we hope to play exceptionally well from now and turn the contest in our favor.
“We also have a strong team and I hope they are seen at the same level as China by the end.”
Results from Friday’s fourballs between China and Asia Pacific at One Asia’s Dongfeng Nissan Cup being played at Foison Golf Club in Guangzhou (China names first):
Liang Wenchong & Hu Mu beat Scott Laycock (AUS) & Rhein Gibson (AUS) 3&2
Wu Ashun & Su Dong beat Mark Brown (NZL) & Ryan Fox (NZL) 1up
Chen Zihao & Jin Cheng beat Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) & Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS) 7&5
Zhang Lianwei & Li Haotong lost to Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) & Nobuhiro Masuda (JPN) 1up
Yuan Tian & Huang Wenyi beat Kim Hyung-tae (KOR) & Lee Jun-seok (KOR) 2&1
Yan Bin & Yang Guangming lost to Rory Hie (INA) & Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 5&3
Draw for Saturday’s foursomes:
Huang Wenyi & Yuan Tian v Rory Hie (INA) & Antonio Lascuna (PHI)
Wu Ashun & Su Dong v Kim Hyung-tae (KOR) & Lee Jun-seok (KOR)
Li Haotong & Hu Mu v Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) & Nobuhiro Masuda
Chen Zihao & Jin Cheng v Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) & Khor Kheng Hwai
Yan Bin & Yang Guangming v Ryan Fox (NZL) & Mark Brown (NZL)
Zhang Lianwei & Liang Wenchong v Scott Laycock (AUS) & Rhein Gibson (AUS)
Thursday, December 4, 2014
George Gandranata Leads Local Field In First Round Of Bank BRI Indonesia Open
Jakarta, December 4 - Kalem Richardson of Australia fired a superb eight-under-par 63 to lead by one shot over Padraig Harrington of Ireland after the first round of the BANK BRI Indonesia Open on Thursday.
Richardson, who has two top-five results in his last three events, rolled in eight birdies, including a 20-footer on the last hole to steal the limelight from Harrington, who is making his debut at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
The three-time Major champion, produced his best score in 2014 with a 64 after birdieing his first two holes from close range at the Damai Indah Golf – Pantai Indah Kapuk course.
Australia’s Adam Groom battled through a leg infection to return with a 67 to tie for third place alongside India’s Arjun Atwal, Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand and Bryce Easton of South Africa.
The local field was led by it's current number 1 player, George Gandranata, and amateur Fadhli Soetarso. Both players played 2-under par and are in a 15-way tie for 14th place. Another amateur, Tirto Tamardi, is one shot further back, with Jordan Irawan (71) as well as Johannes Dermawan and Andik Mauludin (both 72) all still in the top 54.
Starting from the 10th tee, Richardson stayed sharp on his first nine holes, as he did not play the stretch during the practice round, and was rewarded with four straight birdies before turning in 31.
“I guess when you haven’t played the back nine, you concentrate more because you don’t know where you are going. You really need to rely on the yardage book and good advice from your caddy,” said the 26-year-old Richardson.
He is playing without any pressure this week after securing his full Asian Tour card for the 2015 season after finishing tied fourth in Thailand last week.
“I secured my Asian Tour card last week so I’m going to try and enjoy the week and see what happens. I got no pressure on me now so I’ll just try and finish as high as I can on the Order of Merit. Obviously I want to try to get a win before the season ends,” said the Australian, who is ranked 47th on the Merit list.
Harrington took advantage of his early morning start and birdied his opening two holes before going on to add six more birdies which included a 15-footer birdie on the par three seventh hole.
“I could have picked a few spots to make more birdies. I made a nice 15-footer on the seventh hole and it is always nice to hole a nice putt when you are already six-under for the day,” said the Irishman.
“Overall I’m happy with the round. Obviously it is still a long way to go. It was very nice early on and the greens are a little bit softer. When the wind came up after nine holes, it wasn’t really a problem for me because I had a few birdies in the bank at that stage,” smiled Harrington.
Atwal, the 2003 Asian Tour number one and first Indian to win on the PGA Tour, got off to a slow start when he turned in 35 but bounced back with three birdies on his way home.
“I didn’t take advantage of the early start. I didn’t make a birdie after six holes but I stayed patient and tried to hole some putts which happened on my back nine. My game is getting better every week and I’m happy with today’s efforts,” said Atwal.
Thailand’s Thanyakon holed his greenside bunker shot on the first hole for eagle and chipped-in from 125 yards on the par four fifth hole for his second eagle of the day.
The slightly built Thai hopes to continue his hot form after finishing tied third in Japan last week and securing a share of second place in Chiangmai on the Asian Tour two weeks ago.
“It was a good day even though I bogeyed the last. I’m playing with a lot of confidence. I missed the cut here last year but now I’m playing much better,” said the 24-year-old Thanyakon.
Scores after round 1 of the Bank BRI Indonesia Open (Par 71:
(Indonesian unless stated, A denotes amateur):
63 – Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS)
64 – Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL)
67 – Adam GROOM (AUS), Bryce EASTON (RSA), Arjun ATWAL (IND), Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA)
68 – Danny CHIA (MAS), Rahil GANGJEE (IND), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND), Daniel CHOPRA (SWE), Carlos PIGEM (ESP), Blair WILSON (AUS)
Selected:
69 – Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A), George GANDRANATA
70 – Tirto TAMARDI (A)
71 - Jordan IRAWAN
72 - Johannes DERMAWAN, Andik MAULUDIN
73 - Zaki AULIYAN (A)
74 - Asep CAPRIE, Junaidi IBRAHIM, Indra HERMAWAN
75 - Benny KASIADI, Jamel ONDO
76 - Fahmi REZA, Ian ANDREW, Cahyo ADHITOMO (A), Rinaldi ADIYANDONO
77 - Rizchy SUBEKTI (A), William SJAICHUDIN, Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO
78 - I Ketut SUGIARTA, Dominikus GLENN (A)
79 - Calvin ALAN (A), Anugerah BAGINDA (A), Joshua Andrew WIRAWAN, Bramantio ADI
80 - Fajar WINURYANTO, Kevin C. AKBAR (A)
81 - Sarmilih, Asep SAEFULLOH
82 - Ilyasyak
83 - Jon CAHYADI (A), Ramadhan ALWIE
85 - Rafa SALMUN (A)
Richardson, who has two top-five results in his last three events, rolled in eight birdies, including a 20-footer on the last hole to steal the limelight from Harrington, who is making his debut at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
The three-time Major champion, produced his best score in 2014 with a 64 after birdieing his first two holes from close range at the Damai Indah Golf – Pantai Indah Kapuk course.
Australia’s Adam Groom battled through a leg infection to return with a 67 to tie for third place alongside India’s Arjun Atwal, Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand and Bryce Easton of South Africa.
The local field was led by it's current number 1 player, George Gandranata, and amateur Fadhli Soetarso. Both players played 2-under par and are in a 15-way tie for 14th place. Another amateur, Tirto Tamardi, is one shot further back, with Jordan Irawan (71) as well as Johannes Dermawan and Andik Mauludin (both 72) all still in the top 54.
Starting from the 10th tee, Richardson stayed sharp on his first nine holes, as he did not play the stretch during the practice round, and was rewarded with four straight birdies before turning in 31.
“I guess when you haven’t played the back nine, you concentrate more because you don’t know where you are going. You really need to rely on the yardage book and good advice from your caddy,” said the 26-year-old Richardson.
He is playing without any pressure this week after securing his full Asian Tour card for the 2015 season after finishing tied fourth in Thailand last week.
“I secured my Asian Tour card last week so I’m going to try and enjoy the week and see what happens. I got no pressure on me now so I’ll just try and finish as high as I can on the Order of Merit. Obviously I want to try to get a win before the season ends,” said the Australian, who is ranked 47th on the Merit list.
Harrington took advantage of his early morning start and birdied his opening two holes before going on to add six more birdies which included a 15-footer birdie on the par three seventh hole.
“I could have picked a few spots to make more birdies. I made a nice 15-footer on the seventh hole and it is always nice to hole a nice putt when you are already six-under for the day,” said the Irishman.
“Overall I’m happy with the round. Obviously it is still a long way to go. It was very nice early on and the greens are a little bit softer. When the wind came up after nine holes, it wasn’t really a problem for me because I had a few birdies in the bank at that stage,” smiled Harrington.
Atwal, the 2003 Asian Tour number one and first Indian to win on the PGA Tour, got off to a slow start when he turned in 35 but bounced back with three birdies on his way home.
“I didn’t take advantage of the early start. I didn’t make a birdie after six holes but I stayed patient and tried to hole some putts which happened on my back nine. My game is getting better every week and I’m happy with today’s efforts,” said Atwal.
Thailand’s Thanyakon holed his greenside bunker shot on the first hole for eagle and chipped-in from 125 yards on the par four fifth hole for his second eagle of the day.
The slightly built Thai hopes to continue his hot form after finishing tied third in Japan last week and securing a share of second place in Chiangmai on the Asian Tour two weeks ago.
“It was a good day even though I bogeyed the last. I’m playing with a lot of confidence. I missed the cut here last year but now I’m playing much better,” said the 24-year-old Thanyakon.
Scores after round 1 of the Bank BRI Indonesia Open (Par 71:
(Indonesian unless stated, A denotes amateur):
63 – Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS)
64 – Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL)
67 – Adam GROOM (AUS), Bryce EASTON (RSA), Arjun ATWAL (IND), Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA)
68 – Danny CHIA (MAS), Rahil GANGJEE (IND), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND), Daniel CHOPRA (SWE), Carlos PIGEM (ESP), Blair WILSON (AUS)
Selected:
69 – Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A), George GANDRANATA
70 – Tirto TAMARDI (A)
71 - Jordan IRAWAN
72 - Johannes DERMAWAN, Andik MAULUDIN
73 - Zaki AULIYAN (A)
74 - Asep CAPRIE, Junaidi IBRAHIM, Indra HERMAWAN
75 - Benny KASIADI, Jamel ONDO
76 - Fahmi REZA, Ian ANDREW, Cahyo ADHITOMO (A), Rinaldi ADIYANDONO
77 - Rizchy SUBEKTI (A), William SJAICHUDIN, Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO
78 - I Ketut SUGIARTA, Dominikus GLENN (A)
79 - Calvin ALAN (A), Anugerah BAGINDA (A), Joshua Andrew WIRAWAN, Bramantio ADI
80 - Fajar WINURYANTO, Kevin C. AKBAR (A)
81 - Sarmilih, Asep SAEFULLOH
82 - Ilyasyak
83 - Jon CAHYADI (A), Ramadhan ALWIE
85 - Rafa SALMUN (A)
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
International Stars Ready To Shine At Bank BRI Indonesia Open
Jakarta, December 3 - Asian Tour Order of Merit leader David Lipsky of the United States will keep his foot firmly on the pedal when he challenges for the BANK BRI Indonesia Open title which starts on Thursday.
The Korean-American has enjoyed a superb season highlighted by his win at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland in September and that success has fueled his desire to chase for Asia’s top prize.
“I won this year and I’ve enjoyed some good results so I’ve exceeded my expectations but I still want to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit. You can’t get too content and satisfied despite the results. You always have to keep trying and pushing yourself,” said Lipsky.
With three events remaining for 2014, Lipsky will head into a decisive period starting with the US$750,000 tournament staged at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk course this week.
After pocketing US$682,610 in earnings this year, Lipsky will have to fend off the strong challenge from a resilient Anirban Lahiri of India, who is US$118,256 behind him. Despite the mounting pressure, the 26-year-old Lipsky believes he has the game to help him cross the finishing line.
“I want to stick to the process. I’m trying to get better each week and I’m trying not to go through many emotional highs and lows. Mentally I was a bit tired but I took a week off last week and I’m feeling fine now. Getting away from the golf course was nice.
“I played quite well here last year and I have some good memories. It is a great course and I’m looking forward to the week. I definitely like the course. There are a lot of hazards out there so you need to keep the ball in play,” said Lipsky, who finished tied 17th here last year.
Padraig Harrington of Ireland, a three-time Major champion, title holder Gaganjeet Bhullar, Thailand’s Prom Meesawat and an in-form Mardan Mamat of Singapore will also feature at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open.
Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines and Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka are amongst those chasing for a first Asian Tour victory. A return to the BANK BRI Indonesia Open will bring back fond memories for Jazz, who was tied for the lead in the penultimate round last year before settling for tied sixth place.
“I was tied for the lead after the third round and on the last day, it was the first time I was in the last group on the Asian Tour. That experience really helped me a lot. If I have a chance to be in contention again, then I will definitely do better than last time,” said the 19-year-old Thai.
After taking a week’s break, the 20-year-old Tabuena, hopes to overcome the swirling winds and launch a title assault at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open.
“The course was playing easy on Tuesday but today it was a different animal. The wind will definitely play a huge factor this year. It is a bombers course because you can get away if you don’t find the fairway. But like every week, it will all come down to putting,” said Tabuena.
After losing in a three-way play-off at the Panasonic Open India last month, Perera, who is the son to Nandasena, a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, believes he can also contend for the title.
“I believe that everyone has a chance to win. It doesn’t matter if it is a long or short hitter. If you strike the ball well then you can do well. My game is in good shape and when my game comes together then nobody can stop me,” said Perera.
The Korean-American has enjoyed a superb season highlighted by his win at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland in September and that success has fueled his desire to chase for Asia’s top prize.
“I won this year and I’ve enjoyed some good results so I’ve exceeded my expectations but I still want to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit. You can’t get too content and satisfied despite the results. You always have to keep trying and pushing yourself,” said Lipsky.
With three events remaining for 2014, Lipsky will head into a decisive period starting with the US$750,000 tournament staged at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk course this week.
After pocketing US$682,610 in earnings this year, Lipsky will have to fend off the strong challenge from a resilient Anirban Lahiri of India, who is US$118,256 behind him. Despite the mounting pressure, the 26-year-old Lipsky believes he has the game to help him cross the finishing line.
“I want to stick to the process. I’m trying to get better each week and I’m trying not to go through many emotional highs and lows. Mentally I was a bit tired but I took a week off last week and I’m feeling fine now. Getting away from the golf course was nice.
“I played quite well here last year and I have some good memories. It is a great course and I’m looking forward to the week. I definitely like the course. There are a lot of hazards out there so you need to keep the ball in play,” said Lipsky, who finished tied 17th here last year.
Padraig Harrington of Ireland, a three-time Major champion, title holder Gaganjeet Bhullar, Thailand’s Prom Meesawat and an in-form Mardan Mamat of Singapore will also feature at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open.
Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines and Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka are amongst those chasing for a first Asian Tour victory. A return to the BANK BRI Indonesia Open will bring back fond memories for Jazz, who was tied for the lead in the penultimate round last year before settling for tied sixth place.
“I was tied for the lead after the third round and on the last day, it was the first time I was in the last group on the Asian Tour. That experience really helped me a lot. If I have a chance to be in contention again, then I will definitely do better than last time,” said the 19-year-old Thai.
After taking a week’s break, the 20-year-old Tabuena, hopes to overcome the swirling winds and launch a title assault at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open.
“The course was playing easy on Tuesday but today it was a different animal. The wind will definitely play a huge factor this year. It is a bombers course because you can get away if you don’t find the fairway. But like every week, it will all come down to putting,” said Tabuena.
After losing in a three-way play-off at the Panasonic Open India last month, Perera, who is the son to Nandasena, a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, believes he can also contend for the title.
“I believe that everyone has a chance to win. It doesn’t matter if it is a long or short hitter. If you strike the ball well then you can do well. My game is in good shape and when my game comes together then nobody can stop me,” said Perera.
Gandranta Blog: No Pressure!
I will take this as a great opportunity to gain more experience and take my game to the next level. Hopefully one day I can be a good role model to the younger generation of Indonesian golfers.
The game of golf in Indonesia is growing and a lot of kids are playing golf at a higher level. Hopefully I can show and be a good example to them this week. I will attack the course according to my plan and skills.
It was a learning experience when I first turned professional. I used to play in a lot of Asian Development Tour and a few Asian Tour events. Having that opportunity to play for money and under pressure helped my career.
I feel like I’m playing better and that things are coming together. I’m still learning every day so we’ll see how it goes this week.
I’m planning on practicing harder and become a better player in South East Asia. Pressure is perspective, I still see this as a golf tournament. I will treat it one shot at a time. If you can control that and execute it then everything will fall into place.
I don’t have any pressure this week. It is actually an honor to be playing in this week’s BANK BRI Indonesia Open. It will be a good week and I will try and take advantage of that. I need to be sharper with my putting. That’s the key.
Friday, November 28, 2014
End Of The Road For Rory Hie At Emirates Australian Open
Sydney, November 28 - Two-time winner Greg Chalmers from Australia grabbed the halfway lead in the Emirates Australian Open today despite the fact that he is playing in his sixth successive tournament.
Showing little signs of fatigue the lefthander fired a five-under-par 66 at The Australian Golf Club to move to five-under 137 for the championship.
The A$1.25 million event jointly-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Chalmers leads by a stroke from world number one and defending champion Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland (69), Australians Adam Crawford (69) and Todd Sinnott (67) and American Conrad Shindler (68), who is a graduate from this year's OneAsia Qualifying School.
American Jordan Spieth, the first round leader, carded a 72 and is a stroke further back.
Rory Hie, the only Indonesian in the field, couldn't keep up., and with a second round 75 it is the end of the road for him here in Australia.
“I don’t feel jet-lagged, it’s just my sixth event in a row and I am trying to conserve my energy. Ironically the more birdies I make the more energy I have,” said Chalmers, who won this title in 1998 and 2011.
He bogeyed his opening hole but managed to make the turn in three under, and made three birdies and dropped just one shot on the homeward stretch.
“I have been fortunate to win this event twice. I think it is very early to be talking about (winning) it given who is behind me. It’s very early to be thinking about what will happen on Sunday night. From my experience that hasn’t work out very well for me in the past,” added the 41-year-old who has spent much of his career playing on the US PGA Tour.
McIlroy had a roller-coaster round made up of an eagle, six birdies and five bogies. He was four under on his last five holes.
He said: “I felt like I had an opportunity today to maybe shoot a good one and put a little bit of space between myself and the rest of the field but it didn't really pan out that way; a few too many mistakes and it was pretty tricky out there to be honest. The wind was swirling quite a bit and it made it hard for club selection.”
Spieth, who began on the 10th, salvaged his round with birdies on his last two holes.
“It was a struggle, big time struggle. I wasn't hitting it well. If I wasn't putting well I may have shot 45 on the back nine. It was really tough to start today, I just didn't find the ball striking until the last few holes,” said 21-year-old Spieth.
Scott put his challenge back on track with a round that was eight shots better than his score on the first day.
He made an eagle and three birdies to break the course record which was bettered later in the day by American Jamie Lovemark - a last minute invite to the event who opened with a 77.
“We had a good morning for it this morning, so I had to take advantage just for the sake of getting myself back into the tournament. I guess it’s fun to shoot a course record. I'm pretty sure it might not hold up for the rest of the week but it feels good anyway,” Scott said predicting correctly.
The Australian was one ahead of McIlroy playing the final hole last year only to let the title slip away when he made bogey while the Northern Irishman birdied.
Ask why scores were high and the course was playing so difficult he said: “I think the greens were certainly testing us, getting to understand the slopes on the greens and especially around the edges of the greens.”
Leading second round scores (Par 71):
Australian unless stated
137 – Greg Chalmers 71 66
138 – Rory McIlroy (NIR) 69 69, Adam Crawford 69 69, Todd Sinnott 71 67, Conrad Shindler (US) 70 68
139 – Jordan Spieth (US) 67 72, Geoff Drakeford 69 70, Brett Rumford 70 69
140 – Robert Allenby 71 69, Rod Pampling 73 67, Jake Higginbottom 71 69, Adam Scott 74 66, Rhein Gibson 69 71, Richard Green 69 71
Selected
147 - Rory Hie (INA) 72 75
Showing little signs of fatigue the lefthander fired a five-under-par 66 at The Australian Golf Club to move to five-under 137 for the championship.
The A$1.25 million event jointly-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Chalmers leads by a stroke from world number one and defending champion Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland (69), Australians Adam Crawford (69) and Todd Sinnott (67) and American Conrad Shindler (68), who is a graduate from this year's OneAsia Qualifying School.
American Jordan Spieth, the first round leader, carded a 72 and is a stroke further back.
Rory Hie, the only Indonesian in the field, couldn't keep up., and with a second round 75 it is the end of the road for him here in Australia.
“I don’t feel jet-lagged, it’s just my sixth event in a row and I am trying to conserve my energy. Ironically the more birdies I make the more energy I have,” said Chalmers, who won this title in 1998 and 2011.
He bogeyed his opening hole but managed to make the turn in three under, and made three birdies and dropped just one shot on the homeward stretch.
“I have been fortunate to win this event twice. I think it is very early to be talking about (winning) it given who is behind me. It’s very early to be thinking about what will happen on Sunday night. From my experience that hasn’t work out very well for me in the past,” added the 41-year-old who has spent much of his career playing on the US PGA Tour.
McIlroy had a roller-coaster round made up of an eagle, six birdies and five bogies. He was four under on his last five holes.
He said: “I felt like I had an opportunity today to maybe shoot a good one and put a little bit of space between myself and the rest of the field but it didn't really pan out that way; a few too many mistakes and it was pretty tricky out there to be honest. The wind was swirling quite a bit and it made it hard for club selection.”
Spieth, who began on the 10th, salvaged his round with birdies on his last two holes.
“It was a struggle, big time struggle. I wasn't hitting it well. If I wasn't putting well I may have shot 45 on the back nine. It was really tough to start today, I just didn't find the ball striking until the last few holes,” said 21-year-old Spieth.
Scott put his challenge back on track with a round that was eight shots better than his score on the first day.
He made an eagle and three birdies to break the course record which was bettered later in the day by American Jamie Lovemark - a last minute invite to the event who opened with a 77.
“We had a good morning for it this morning, so I had to take advantage just for the sake of getting myself back into the tournament. I guess it’s fun to shoot a course record. I'm pretty sure it might not hold up for the rest of the week but it feels good anyway,” Scott said predicting correctly.
The Australian was one ahead of McIlroy playing the final hole last year only to let the title slip away when he made bogey while the Northern Irishman birdied.
Ask why scores were high and the course was playing so difficult he said: “I think the greens were certainly testing us, getting to understand the slopes on the greens and especially around the edges of the greens.”
Leading second round scores (Par 71):
Australian unless stated
137 – Greg Chalmers 71 66
138 – Rory McIlroy (NIR) 69 69, Adam Crawford 69 69, Todd Sinnott 71 67, Conrad Shindler (US) 70 68
139 – Jordan Spieth (US) 67 72, Geoff Drakeford 69 70, Brett Rumford 70 69
140 – Robert Allenby 71 69, Rod Pampling 73 67, Jake Higginbottom 71 69, Adam Scott 74 66, Rhein Gibson 69 71, Richard Green 69 71
Selected
147 - Rory Hie (INA) 72 75
George Gandranata Misses Cut, Indonesian Masters Winner Lahiri Leads At King's Cup
Khon Kaen, Thailand, November 28 - India’s Anirban Lahiri took the outright lead by signing for a five-under-par 67 after the second round of the King’s Cup at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club on Friday.
The five-time Asian Tour winner, who shared the overnight lead with compatriot S.S.P. Chowrasia, compiled a two-day total of 12-under-par 132 to take pole position on his own, holding a two-shot advantage over Australia’s Andrew Dodt.
Dodt also rode on his rich vein of form by making a huge move up the leaderboard with a 65 to share second place with Asian Development Tour (ADT) winner Jakraphan Premsirigorn on 134 total.
Local hero Thaworn Wiratchant showed age has not slowed him down by taking fourth place on 135 while Chowrasia posted a 71 to slip to tied-fifth with Australia’s Adam Groom, Spain’s Carlos Pigem and Thailand’s Danthai Boonma and Piya Swangarunporn.
Indonesia's George Gandranata missed out on making the cut when he made double bogey on hole 13. Playing even par on the front nine, he needed to come in at 2-under, but with 3 birdies on the back nine the unlucky 13th hole meant he missed the cut by a single stroke.
Lahiri continued to assert himself at the US$500,000 Asian Tour event with another round that could edge him closer to his third win on the region’s premier Tour this year, after the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters in May and the Venentain Macau Open last month..
While it may not be similar to his opening round where he carded a 65, the Indian is still pleased with his efforts where he traded seven birdies against two bogeys on holes five and 15.
“I’m happy with the way I’m playing. It wasn’t quite as good as it was yesterday but I’m still feeling comfortable on the golf course and the position I’m in.
“I made a couple of dropped shots today, missed more greens than I did yesterday. But I’m happy with the way I finished, especially with those two birdies in the last four holes to pick myself up,” said Lahiri.
Buoyed by his recent good form which included securing his card for Europe next year, Dodt is determined to give Lahiri a good run for his money over the weekend.
The Australian’s sole victory on the Asian Tour came in India in 2010. But with renewed confidence, Dodt believes he can make a stronger push for another grandstand finish.
“Confidence is a huge thing in golf and if you can ride that momentum, you can go a long way. I feel like I’m in a pretty good spot at the moment so I’ll try to push Anirban on the weekend and we’ll see where we end up,” said Dodt.
“I struggled a little bit yesterday but scored well. I hit it a lot better today and holed some new putts. Anytime you can shoot a good score like that, the confidence goes up and I’m looking forward to the weekend,” added the 28-year-old Australian.
Jakraphan, who earned his maiden ADT breakthrough in Sarawak last year, enjoyed a ‘stress-free’ round and is jubilant about staying in the mix and making it into the weekend rounds.
“I’m just playing for fun and not giving myself any pressure. This is my third Asian Tour event after Samui and Chiangmai. I missed the cut in Chiangmai and I’m happy I’ve got a chance to play in the weekend rounds now.
“My ADT win in Sarawak was a big confidence booster. There’s still a long way to go but I’m learning and getting better in each tournament I play,” said Jakraphan.
At 47, Thaworn showed no signs of letting up as he flew back under the radar with a 67.
The Thai already holds an unprecedented 17 titles on the Asian Tour and is looking forward to breaking more records.
“Who says I’m old? Still young boy,” laughed the Thai veteran. “I’m still enjoying my game every day and that’s important. I love my golf and that’s what keeps me going which includes trying to get another win again this week.”
The weekend cut was set at two-under-par with a total of 76 players progressing into the final 36 holes.
Leading Scores after round 2 of the King’s Cup (Par 72):
132 – Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 65-67
134 – Andrew DODT (AUS) 69-65, Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 69-65
135 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 68-67
136 – Adam GROOM (AUS) 70-66, Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 67-69, S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND) 65-71, Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA) 69-67, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 66-70
Selected:
143 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 72-71
The five-time Asian Tour winner, who shared the overnight lead with compatriot S.S.P. Chowrasia, compiled a two-day total of 12-under-par 132 to take pole position on his own, holding a two-shot advantage over Australia’s Andrew Dodt.
Dodt also rode on his rich vein of form by making a huge move up the leaderboard with a 65 to share second place with Asian Development Tour (ADT) winner Jakraphan Premsirigorn on 134 total.
Local hero Thaworn Wiratchant showed age has not slowed him down by taking fourth place on 135 while Chowrasia posted a 71 to slip to tied-fifth with Australia’s Adam Groom, Spain’s Carlos Pigem and Thailand’s Danthai Boonma and Piya Swangarunporn.
Indonesia's George Gandranata missed out on making the cut when he made double bogey on hole 13. Playing even par on the front nine, he needed to come in at 2-under, but with 3 birdies on the back nine the unlucky 13th hole meant he missed the cut by a single stroke.
Lahiri continued to assert himself at the US$500,000 Asian Tour event with another round that could edge him closer to his third win on the region’s premier Tour this year, after the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters in May and the Venentain Macau Open last month..
While it may not be similar to his opening round where he carded a 65, the Indian is still pleased with his efforts where he traded seven birdies against two bogeys on holes five and 15.
“I’m happy with the way I’m playing. It wasn’t quite as good as it was yesterday but I’m still feeling comfortable on the golf course and the position I’m in.
“I made a couple of dropped shots today, missed more greens than I did yesterday. But I’m happy with the way I finished, especially with those two birdies in the last four holes to pick myself up,” said Lahiri.
Buoyed by his recent good form which included securing his card for Europe next year, Dodt is determined to give Lahiri a good run for his money over the weekend.
The Australian’s sole victory on the Asian Tour came in India in 2010. But with renewed confidence, Dodt believes he can make a stronger push for another grandstand finish.
“Confidence is a huge thing in golf and if you can ride that momentum, you can go a long way. I feel like I’m in a pretty good spot at the moment so I’ll try to push Anirban on the weekend and we’ll see where we end up,” said Dodt.
“I struggled a little bit yesterday but scored well. I hit it a lot better today and holed some new putts. Anytime you can shoot a good score like that, the confidence goes up and I’m looking forward to the weekend,” added the 28-year-old Australian.
Jakraphan, who earned his maiden ADT breakthrough in Sarawak last year, enjoyed a ‘stress-free’ round and is jubilant about staying in the mix and making it into the weekend rounds.
“I’m just playing for fun and not giving myself any pressure. This is my third Asian Tour event after Samui and Chiangmai. I missed the cut in Chiangmai and I’m happy I’ve got a chance to play in the weekend rounds now.
“My ADT win in Sarawak was a big confidence booster. There’s still a long way to go but I’m learning and getting better in each tournament I play,” said Jakraphan.
At 47, Thaworn showed no signs of letting up as he flew back under the radar with a 67.
The Thai already holds an unprecedented 17 titles on the Asian Tour and is looking forward to breaking more records.
“Who says I’m old? Still young boy,” laughed the Thai veteran. “I’m still enjoying my game every day and that’s important. I love my golf and that’s what keeps me going which includes trying to get another win again this week.”
The weekend cut was set at two-under-par with a total of 76 players progressing into the final 36 holes.
Leading Scores after round 2 of the King’s Cup (Par 72):
132 – Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 65-67
134 – Andrew DODT (AUS) 69-65, Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 69-65
135 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 68-67
136 – Adam GROOM (AUS) 70-66, Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 67-69, S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND) 65-71, Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA) 69-67, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 66-70
Selected:
143 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 72-71
Rory Hie Keeping Up With Rory McIlroy At Emirates Australian Open
Sydney, November 27 - American Jordan Spieth stamped his star quality on the Emirates Australian Open today after taking the first round lead with a four-under-par 67.
Playing in his first tournament Down Under the 21-year-old put together a solid round in difficult windy conditions at The Australian Golf Club.
Australians Aron Price and Scott Gardiner returned 68s in an event jointly-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
World number one and defending champion Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland fired a 69 along with Australians Adam Crawford, Richard Green, Andrew Tampion, Geoff Drakeford, and Brendon De Jonge from Zimbabwe.
Indonesian Rory Hie completed his round in 72 strokes and is currently in a share of 32nd place on the leaderboard, only two strokes back from 'the other Rory'.
Australian Adam Scott, runner-up last year and the champion in 2009, had a poor day and came in with a 74.
“Growing up I always wanted to come and play in Australia. It really was fun today,” said Spieth.
The Texan, paired with Scott and Australian Nick Cullen, toured the outward nine in one-under with two birdies and one dropped shot.
On the homeward stretch he charged up the leader board with three birdies on the trot from the 14th to go to five under. However, he bogeyed the penultimate hole.
Spieth turned professional in 2012 after a stellar amateur career that saw him ranked number one in the world.
The following season he burst onto the professional scene by winning the John Deere Classic to become the fourth youngest PGA Tour winner and the first teenager in 82 years.
This year he has cemented his position as one of the most exciting young players in the game by claiming second place in the US Masters while also making a fine debut in the Ryder Cup.
Price, who spent most of his career playing in the United States, led for much of the day before Spieth took over at the top. He recently welcomed his first child into the world.
“Yeah, it’s taught me a little bit about my golf, just with patience. You think you lose patience out here and trying to stop a little baby crying who’s crying for no reason, it sort of puts perspective on hitting a shot left or right or whatever,” said Price.
McIlroy began his round on the 10th and made the turn in one under. Three birdies on the next nine, including one on the last, and a bogey saw him finish in a strong position.
He said: “I didn't really get much going, I made a lot of pars. The conditions were pretty tricky. It was tough to get the ball close to the pins with the wind and these greens being quite firm as well.”
Having flown in from Dubai on Monday and up early this morning at 4.30 he said he struggled with jet lag today.
“Ball striking wasn't really there. Again, I played okay, I gave myself plenty of chances early on but I just know I can play better, so I feel if I’m on my game, I can get it going and shoot something in the low to mid 60s,” he added.
Leading first round scores (Par 71):
Australian unless stated.
67 – Jordan Spieth (US)
68 – Aron Price, Scott Gardiner
69 – Rory McIlroy (NIR), Adam Crawford, Richard Green, Andrew Tampion, Geoff Drakeford, Brendon De Jonge (ZIM), Achi Sato (JPN)
70 – Brett Rumford, Bryden Macpherson, Antonio Murdaca, Patrick Rodgers (US), Rohan Blizzard, Conrad Shindler (US), Steven Bowditch, David McKenzie, Michael Hendry (NZ), Rhein Gibson, Lincoln Tighe
Selected:
72 – Rory Hie (INA)
Playing in his first tournament Down Under the 21-year-old put together a solid round in difficult windy conditions at The Australian Golf Club.
Australians Aron Price and Scott Gardiner returned 68s in an event jointly-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
World number one and defending champion Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland fired a 69 along with Australians Adam Crawford, Richard Green, Andrew Tampion, Geoff Drakeford, and Brendon De Jonge from Zimbabwe.
Indonesian Rory Hie completed his round in 72 strokes and is currently in a share of 32nd place on the leaderboard, only two strokes back from 'the other Rory'.
Australian Adam Scott, runner-up last year and the champion in 2009, had a poor day and came in with a 74.
“Growing up I always wanted to come and play in Australia. It really was fun today,” said Spieth.
The Texan, paired with Scott and Australian Nick Cullen, toured the outward nine in one-under with two birdies and one dropped shot.
On the homeward stretch he charged up the leader board with three birdies on the trot from the 14th to go to five under. However, he bogeyed the penultimate hole.
Spieth turned professional in 2012 after a stellar amateur career that saw him ranked number one in the world.
The following season he burst onto the professional scene by winning the John Deere Classic to become the fourth youngest PGA Tour winner and the first teenager in 82 years.
This year he has cemented his position as one of the most exciting young players in the game by claiming second place in the US Masters while also making a fine debut in the Ryder Cup.
Price, who spent most of his career playing in the United States, led for much of the day before Spieth took over at the top. He recently welcomed his first child into the world.
“Yeah, it’s taught me a little bit about my golf, just with patience. You think you lose patience out here and trying to stop a little baby crying who’s crying for no reason, it sort of puts perspective on hitting a shot left or right or whatever,” said Price.
McIlroy began his round on the 10th and made the turn in one under. Three birdies on the next nine, including one on the last, and a bogey saw him finish in a strong position.
He said: “I didn't really get much going, I made a lot of pars. The conditions were pretty tricky. It was tough to get the ball close to the pins with the wind and these greens being quite firm as well.”
Having flown in from Dubai on Monday and up early this morning at 4.30 he said he struggled with jet lag today.
“Ball striking wasn't really there. Again, I played okay, I gave myself plenty of chances early on but I just know I can play better, so I feel if I’m on my game, I can get it going and shoot something in the low to mid 60s,” he added.
Leading first round scores (Par 71):
Australian unless stated.
67 – Jordan Spieth (US)
68 – Aron Price, Scott Gardiner
69 – Rory McIlroy (NIR), Adam Crawford, Richard Green, Andrew Tampion, Geoff Drakeford, Brendon De Jonge (ZIM), Achi Sato (JPN)
70 – Brett Rumford, Bryden Macpherson, Antonio Murdaca, Patrick Rodgers (US), Rohan Blizzard, Conrad Shindler (US), Steven Bowditch, David McKenzie, Michael Hendry (NZ), Rhein Gibson, Lincoln Tighe
Selected:
72 – Rory Hie (INA)
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