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
Friday, November 28, 2014
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)
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Challenge Ahead For George Gandranata At Kings's Cup
Khon Kaen, Thailand, November 27 - India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia and Anirban Lahiri charged into the early lead with a seven-under-par 65 in the first round of the King’s Cup on Thursday.
The 36-year-old Chowrasia lifted his third Asian Tour title on home soil earlier this month and is showing the same resolve to win again with a near perfect card that was spoilt by a lone bogey on his closing par-four nine.
Double South East Asia (SEA) Games gold medalists Phiphatphong Naewsuk and Danthai Boonma of Thailand kept the pressure on the Indians by returning with matching 66s to trail them by a single shot in third place at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club.
George Gandranata, the only Indonesian player at this event, had an even par 72, which put him in a tie for 85th place after the first round. This means he needs a stronger second round if he wants to make the cut, which could be at 2 or 3 under par.
Fresh after another victory at home, Chowrasia showed his fondness for playing in Asia again with another assuring performance on the opening day of the US$500,000 King’s Cup.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, he made a quick start with three birdies in his opening four holes.
Chowrasia raced further ahead with five more birdies in his next seven holes after the turn before a bogey on the closing ninth hole put the brakes on his charge.
“I’m pleased with how I’ve played as I shot a really low number. It was unfortunate on the last hole as I hit a good tee shot and again a second shot. But I three-putted there.
“Indian players are doing very well this year and I’ll try to win my first title abroad this week. My season has been very good. I didn’t play well at Q School in Europe but I’m doing well in Asia,” said Chowrasia.
Danthai, who is making his debut as a professional at the King’s Cup, got a dream start he wanted.
The 18-year-old won the team and individual gold medals at the 2012 SEA Games and is carrying his illustrious amateur record over to his maiden professional event, while taking advantage of his course familiarity too.
“Nice way to get my professional career going with a round like this. It’s a dream start and I’m really happy.
“I’m used to this golf course too as this was our training base for the Asian Games where we won the team bronze medal this year too,” said Danthai.
Like Danthai, Phiphatphong is also a double SEA Games gold medallist where he won the team and singles in 2007.
The 24-year-old is seeking his first professional win having come close to victory on the domestic circuit in Chiangmai.
“I’m seeking my first professional win this week and I’m really confident as I’ve played on this golf course many times. Of course, this is an Asian Tour event and the level of competition is higher and it would be good if I can stand on my own against the region’s best players,” said Phiphatphong.
Scores after Round 1 of the King's Cup 2014 (Par 72):
65 - S.S.P CHOWRASIA, Anirban LAHIRI (IND)
66 - Phiphatphong NAEWSUK (THA), Danthai BOONMA (THA). Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS)
67 - Carlos PIGEM (ESP), MO Joong kyung (KOR), Daniel CHOPRA (SWE)
Selected:
72 - George GANDRANATA (INA)
The 36-year-old Chowrasia lifted his third Asian Tour title on home soil earlier this month and is showing the same resolve to win again with a near perfect card that was spoilt by a lone bogey on his closing par-four nine.
Double South East Asia (SEA) Games gold medalists Phiphatphong Naewsuk and Danthai Boonma of Thailand kept the pressure on the Indians by returning with matching 66s to trail them by a single shot in third place at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club.
George Gandranata, the only Indonesian player at this event, had an even par 72, which put him in a tie for 85th place after the first round. This means he needs a stronger second round if he wants to make the cut, which could be at 2 or 3 under par.
Fresh after another victory at home, Chowrasia showed his fondness for playing in Asia again with another assuring performance on the opening day of the US$500,000 King’s Cup.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, he made a quick start with three birdies in his opening four holes.
Chowrasia raced further ahead with five more birdies in his next seven holes after the turn before a bogey on the closing ninth hole put the brakes on his charge.
“I’m pleased with how I’ve played as I shot a really low number. It was unfortunate on the last hole as I hit a good tee shot and again a second shot. But I three-putted there.
“Indian players are doing very well this year and I’ll try to win my first title abroad this week. My season has been very good. I didn’t play well at Q School in Europe but I’m doing well in Asia,” said Chowrasia.
Danthai, who is making his debut as a professional at the King’s Cup, got a dream start he wanted.
The 18-year-old won the team and individual gold medals at the 2012 SEA Games and is carrying his illustrious amateur record over to his maiden professional event, while taking advantage of his course familiarity too.
“Nice way to get my professional career going with a round like this. It’s a dream start and I’m really happy.
“I’m used to this golf course too as this was our training base for the Asian Games where we won the team bronze medal this year too,” said Danthai.
Like Danthai, Phiphatphong is also a double SEA Games gold medallist where he won the team and singles in 2007.
The 24-year-old is seeking his first professional win having come close to victory on the domestic circuit in Chiangmai.
“I’m seeking my first professional win this week and I’m really confident as I’ve played on this golf course many times. Of course, this is an Asian Tour event and the level of competition is higher and it would be good if I can stand on my own against the region’s best players,” said Phiphatphong.
Scores after Round 1 of the King's Cup 2014 (Par 72):
65 - S.S.P CHOWRASIA, Anirban LAHIRI (IND)
66 - Phiphatphong NAEWSUK (THA), Danthai BOONMA (THA). Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS)
67 - Carlos PIGEM (ESP), MO Joong kyung (KOR), Daniel CHOPRA (SWE)
Selected:
72 - George GANDRANATA (INA)
Sunday, November 23, 2014
George Gandranata Narrowly Misses Top Ten Finish At Resorts World Manila Masters
Manila, November 23 - Overnight leader Mardan Mamat of Singapore ended a two-year title drought by romping to a commanding six-shot victory at the US$1 million Resorts World Manila Masters presented by 918.com on Sunday.
The 47-year-old veteran completed a stylish wire-to wire victory with a final round of three-under-par 69 at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club. His winning total of 20-under-par 268 sealed his fourth Asian Tour success and second in the Philippines.
Frenchman Lionel Weber closed with 70 to finish runner-up for his best result of the season while last year’s runner-up Prom Meesawat of Thailand fired a fine 68 for third place, some eight shots behind the champion in what is the richest tournament in the Philippines.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, who played alongside Mardan, failed to launch a charge as a disappointing 75 saw him settle for fourth place with Australian Sam Brazel, Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao and American Paul Peterson.
George Gandranata narrowly missed out on a top ten position after firing an even par 72. The total of 281 meant Indonesia highest ranked player finished in 20th position, just one shot of an 11-way tie for 9th.
Entering the week in 74th place on the Order of Merit, Mardan, who earned US$180,000, was in total control as he extended his overnight four-shot lead to six by turning in 34 with two birdies. He dropped a couple of bogeys coming home but three more birdies on the card ensured a victorious walk up the 18th fairway.
“It means a lot to me,” said Mardan, who fell on his knees kissing the ground after tapping in for par at the last hole for what was his career third start-to-finish victory.
“This is my last year of exemption (after winning the 2012 Philippine Open) and I needed to play well to keep my card. I wanted to win again to keep my exemption for the next few years. When I was on the range, the wind was pretty strong and I knew the scores won’t be low.
“I couldn’t control anyone, only myself and I focused on my own game. Playing with Kiradech, who hits it long, I knew I needed to keep to my own pace, keep to my own strength and it worked out.”
Despite holding a big lead down the stretch, Mardan conceded he only felt confident of hoisting the Resorts World Manila Masters trophy after striking his second shot on the closing hole. “Anything can still happen. I didn’t want to make any stupid mistakes and I just kept the ball in play. I didn’t feel comfortable until after I hit my second shot on 18. Only then did I feel comfortable about winning this tournament.”
Lionel Weber (FRA) 02The 24-year-old Weber, playing in his second season on the Asian Tour, savored his runner-up finish where a cheque of US$110,000 was more than enough to seal his card for 2015. “There was a lot of tension and I tried to stay in the present,” said Weber, whose card included five birdies, one bogey and one double bogey.
“I’m happy I have secured my card. It’s a great feeling. I did think I had a chance to catch Mardan when I birdied the first hole but I made some really silly mistakes on the second (for double). Mardan is a very good player and he deserves it.”
After being beaten in a play-off last year, burly Prom was delighted to finish third after shooting 13-under over the weekend rounds as he moved to within US$5,000 shy of second-ranked Anirban Lahiri of India in the Order of Merit race.
“I didn’t have a good draw for the first two days and played in the wind on both days which made it a different course,” said Prom, who barely made the halfway cut with opening rounds of 73 and 72 before setting a new course record of 63 on Saturday.
“When I walked out of the clubhouse and I saw the wind, I knew it was very difficult to catch Mardan. It’s still a good week for me,” said the 30-year-old Prom, who has now earned a career high US$516,512 this year. Big-hitting Kiradech was disappointed he did not apply more pressure on Mardan. After opening with a birdie, he dropped a bogey on two and a double bogey on four subsequently saw him battling for survival.
“It didn’t go as I planned. I was just trying to attack the pin and play more aggressively so I can catch Mardan. The double on four was a big turning point and I couldn’t get my mind back,” said the 25-year-old.
Scores after final round of the Resorts World Manila Masters (Par 72):
268 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 65-68-66-69
274 – Lionel WEBER (FRA) 70-70-64-70
276 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 73-72-63-68
278 – Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 67-75-67-69, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 67-71-69-71, Paul PETERSON (USA) 68-70-69-71, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 66-69-68-75
279 – Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 69-69-68-73
280 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 75-70-68-67, Akinori TANI (JPN) 72-69-70-69, Scott HEND (AUS) 73-69-69-69, WANG Jeung-hun (KOR) 68-65-77-70, Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 72-71-67-70, Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-68-70-71, Arie IRAWAN (MAS) 71-71-67-71, Danny CHIA (MAS) 66-71-71-72, Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 65-73-70-72, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 70-73-64-73, Berry HENSON (USA) 74-68-64-74
Selected:
281 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 70-70-69-72
The 47-year-old veteran completed a stylish wire-to wire victory with a final round of three-under-par 69 at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club. His winning total of 20-under-par 268 sealed his fourth Asian Tour success and second in the Philippines.
Frenchman Lionel Weber closed with 70 to finish runner-up for his best result of the season while last year’s runner-up Prom Meesawat of Thailand fired a fine 68 for third place, some eight shots behind the champion in what is the richest tournament in the Philippines.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, who played alongside Mardan, failed to launch a charge as a disappointing 75 saw him settle for fourth place with Australian Sam Brazel, Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao and American Paul Peterson.
George Gandranata narrowly missed out on a top ten position after firing an even par 72. The total of 281 meant Indonesia highest ranked player finished in 20th position, just one shot of an 11-way tie for 9th.
Entering the week in 74th place on the Order of Merit, Mardan, who earned US$180,000, was in total control as he extended his overnight four-shot lead to six by turning in 34 with two birdies. He dropped a couple of bogeys coming home but three more birdies on the card ensured a victorious walk up the 18th fairway.
“It means a lot to me,” said Mardan, who fell on his knees kissing the ground after tapping in for par at the last hole for what was his career third start-to-finish victory.
“This is my last year of exemption (after winning the 2012 Philippine Open) and I needed to play well to keep my card. I wanted to win again to keep my exemption for the next few years. When I was on the range, the wind was pretty strong and I knew the scores won’t be low.
“I couldn’t control anyone, only myself and I focused on my own game. Playing with Kiradech, who hits it long, I knew I needed to keep to my own pace, keep to my own strength and it worked out.”
Despite holding a big lead down the stretch, Mardan conceded he only felt confident of hoisting the Resorts World Manila Masters trophy after striking his second shot on the closing hole. “Anything can still happen. I didn’t want to make any stupid mistakes and I just kept the ball in play. I didn’t feel comfortable until after I hit my second shot on 18. Only then did I feel comfortable about winning this tournament.”
Lionel Weber (FRA) 02The 24-year-old Weber, playing in his second season on the Asian Tour, savored his runner-up finish where a cheque of US$110,000 was more than enough to seal his card for 2015. “There was a lot of tension and I tried to stay in the present,” said Weber, whose card included five birdies, one bogey and one double bogey.
“I’m happy I have secured my card. It’s a great feeling. I did think I had a chance to catch Mardan when I birdied the first hole but I made some really silly mistakes on the second (for double). Mardan is a very good player and he deserves it.”
After being beaten in a play-off last year, burly Prom was delighted to finish third after shooting 13-under over the weekend rounds as he moved to within US$5,000 shy of second-ranked Anirban Lahiri of India in the Order of Merit race.
“I didn’t have a good draw for the first two days and played in the wind on both days which made it a different course,” said Prom, who barely made the halfway cut with opening rounds of 73 and 72 before setting a new course record of 63 on Saturday.
“When I walked out of the clubhouse and I saw the wind, I knew it was very difficult to catch Mardan. It’s still a good week for me,” said the 30-year-old Prom, who has now earned a career high US$516,512 this year. Big-hitting Kiradech was disappointed he did not apply more pressure on Mardan. After opening with a birdie, he dropped a bogey on two and a double bogey on four subsequently saw him battling for survival.
“It didn’t go as I planned. I was just trying to attack the pin and play more aggressively so I can catch Mardan. The double on four was a big turning point and I couldn’t get my mind back,” said the 25-year-old.
Scores after final round of the Resorts World Manila Masters (Par 72):
268 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 65-68-66-69
274 – Lionel WEBER (FRA) 70-70-64-70
276 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 73-72-63-68
278 – Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 67-75-67-69, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 67-71-69-71, Paul PETERSON (USA) 68-70-69-71, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 66-69-68-75
279 – Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 69-69-68-73
280 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 75-70-68-67, Akinori TANI (JPN) 72-69-70-69, Scott HEND (AUS) 73-69-69-69, WANG Jeung-hun (KOR) 68-65-77-70, Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 72-71-67-70, Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-68-70-71, Arie IRAWAN (MAS) 71-71-67-71, Danny CHIA (MAS) 66-71-71-72, Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 65-73-70-72, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 70-73-64-73, Berry HENSON (USA) 74-68-64-74
Selected:
281 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 70-70-69-72
Saturday, November 22, 2014
George Gandranata On Verge Of Top Ten In Resorts World Manila Masters
Manila, November 22 - Singapore’s Mardan Mamat cruised into a four-shot lead at the US$1 million Resorts World Manila Masters presented by 918.com after firing a sparkling six-under-par 66 on Saturday.
The 47-year-old, who has held a share of the first and second lead, put himself in prime position to lift a fourth Asian Tour victory at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club after a round that included seven birdies against a lone bogey for a three-day total of 17-under-par 199.
Thai hotshot Kiradech Aphibarnrat birdied the last hole for a 68 to ensure a final round match-up with Mardan in what is the richest golf tournament in the Philippines while Frenchman Lioniel Weber fired a superb 64 to move into third place, five behind the leader.
American Berry Henson, who also carded a 64, settled for a share of fourth place with Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, who returned a 68. Last year’s runner-up Prom Meesawat of Thailand produced a new course record of 63 which included seven birdies and one eagle that left him in tied ninth place on 208.
Indonesian George Gandranata scored another strong round, and his 69 helped him climb a further 2 places to a tie for 13th, 10 shots off the lead, but just one shot off a top 10 position.
After ending his second round with four birdies, Mardan, the 2012 Philippine Open champion, picked up from where he left off by firing four straight opening birdies to take full control of the Resorts World Manila Masters.
“I got off to a great start which kind of gave me a good cushion. I kept myself in my own zone. I knew I had to stay calm to maintain my lead. I had to keep myself comfortable which is key for me to playing well. I managed to do that and I am happy,” said Mardan.
Two of his three Asian Tour victories were wire-to-wire triumphs but the Singaporean, who is battling to save his Tour card as he lies in 74th position on the Order of Merit, knows the threat that reigning Asian Tour number one Kiradech will pose on Sunday.
“I’m looking forward to play with Kiradech. He’s a very good player and I know he is a long-hitter so we will see how it goes,” said Mardan. “I’ve been struggling with my game all these while so it would mean a lot for me to win this tournament. I think I would move to the Philippines if I can win here again (laughs).”
The 25-year-old Kiradech, chasing a third Asian Tour victory, birdied the par five 18th hole to ensure he got into the final pairing with Mardan. But the big-hitting Thai hopes a lucky birdie on 15, where he thought he had initially driven his tee shot out of bounds, could be the turning point.
“I got lucky as it hit a tree and bounced back into the course and I made birdie on that hole. It could be a big turning point for me,” Kiradech said. “I am very solid right now. Last two days, I’m playing good golf, striking a lot of good iron shots.
“Mardan’s golf is solid and this course suits his game as he’s a consistent player. If I can get some early birdies tomorrow, I might be able to put some pressure on him.”
Weber took advantage of a hot putter to move into contention as he chases for a maiden win at the Resorts World Manila Masters. “Everything went well. I played my irons very well and my putting was good too. I struggled a bit with my putter in the last tournament but it worked for me today. It was less windy compared to the first two rounds. I guess that explains the low scores,” said the 24-year-old, who is currently ranked 70th on the Merit list.
Henson, also a former Philippine Open champion, produced an eight-birdie round to give himself an outside chance of winning. “I played some solid golf, like finally … It’s been a long year for me. I love this golf course. I honestly felt a low round coming after my round yesterday. I still feel like I haven’t shot my lowest round out here yet,” said the 35-year-old Californian.
Scores after round 3 of the Resorts World Manila Masters (Par 72):
199 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 65-68-66
203 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 66-69-68
204 – Lionel WEBER (FRA) 70-70-64
206 – Berry HENSON (USA) 74-68-64, Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 69-69-68
207 – Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 70-73-64, Paul PETERSON (USA) 68-70-69, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 67-71-69
208 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 73-72-63, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 69-69-70, Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 65-73-70, Danny CHIA (MAS) 66-71-71
209 – Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 67-75-67, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 69-73-67, Simon YATES (SCO) 70-72-67, Arie IRAWAN (MAS) 71-71-67, Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 72-69-68, George GANDRANATA (INA) 70-70-69, Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-68-70, Richard T. LEE (CAN) 71-68-70. About the Asian Tour
The 47-year-old, who has held a share of the first and second lead, put himself in prime position to lift a fourth Asian Tour victory at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club after a round that included seven birdies against a lone bogey for a three-day total of 17-under-par 199.
Thai hotshot Kiradech Aphibarnrat birdied the last hole for a 68 to ensure a final round match-up with Mardan in what is the richest golf tournament in the Philippines while Frenchman Lioniel Weber fired a superb 64 to move into third place, five behind the leader.
American Berry Henson, who also carded a 64, settled for a share of fourth place with Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, who returned a 68. Last year’s runner-up Prom Meesawat of Thailand produced a new course record of 63 which included seven birdies and one eagle that left him in tied ninth place on 208.
Indonesian George Gandranata scored another strong round, and his 69 helped him climb a further 2 places to a tie for 13th, 10 shots off the lead, but just one shot off a top 10 position.
After ending his second round with four birdies, Mardan, the 2012 Philippine Open champion, picked up from where he left off by firing four straight opening birdies to take full control of the Resorts World Manila Masters.
“I got off to a great start which kind of gave me a good cushion. I kept myself in my own zone. I knew I had to stay calm to maintain my lead. I had to keep myself comfortable which is key for me to playing well. I managed to do that and I am happy,” said Mardan.
Two of his three Asian Tour victories were wire-to-wire triumphs but the Singaporean, who is battling to save his Tour card as he lies in 74th position on the Order of Merit, knows the threat that reigning Asian Tour number one Kiradech will pose on Sunday.
“I’m looking forward to play with Kiradech. He’s a very good player and I know he is a long-hitter so we will see how it goes,” said Mardan. “I’ve been struggling with my game all these while so it would mean a lot for me to win this tournament. I think I would move to the Philippines if I can win here again (laughs).”
The 25-year-old Kiradech, chasing a third Asian Tour victory, birdied the par five 18th hole to ensure he got into the final pairing with Mardan. But the big-hitting Thai hopes a lucky birdie on 15, where he thought he had initially driven his tee shot out of bounds, could be the turning point.
“I got lucky as it hit a tree and bounced back into the course and I made birdie on that hole. It could be a big turning point for me,” Kiradech said. “I am very solid right now. Last two days, I’m playing good golf, striking a lot of good iron shots.
“Mardan’s golf is solid and this course suits his game as he’s a consistent player. If I can get some early birdies tomorrow, I might be able to put some pressure on him.”
Weber took advantage of a hot putter to move into contention as he chases for a maiden win at the Resorts World Manila Masters. “Everything went well. I played my irons very well and my putting was good too. I struggled a bit with my putter in the last tournament but it worked for me today. It was less windy compared to the first two rounds. I guess that explains the low scores,” said the 24-year-old, who is currently ranked 70th on the Merit list.
Henson, also a former Philippine Open champion, produced an eight-birdie round to give himself an outside chance of winning. “I played some solid golf, like finally … It’s been a long year for me. I love this golf course. I honestly felt a low round coming after my round yesterday. I still feel like I haven’t shot my lowest round out here yet,” said the 35-year-old Californian.
Scores after round 3 of the Resorts World Manila Masters (Par 72):
199 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 65-68-66
203 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 66-69-68
204 – Lionel WEBER (FRA) 70-70-64
206 – Berry HENSON (USA) 74-68-64, Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 69-69-68
207 – Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 70-73-64, Paul PETERSON (USA) 68-70-69, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 67-71-69
208 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 73-72-63, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 69-69-70, Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 65-73-70, Danny CHIA (MAS) 66-71-71
209 – Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 67-75-67, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 69-73-67, Simon YATES (SCO) 70-72-67, Arie IRAWAN (MAS) 71-71-67, Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 72-69-68, George GANDRANATA (INA) 70-70-69, Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-68-70, Richard T. LEE (CAN) 71-68-70. About the Asian Tour
Friday, November 21, 2014
George Gandranata Moving Upwards At Resorts World Manila Masters
Manila, November 21 - Korean teenager Wang Jeung-hun fired a sizzling seven-under-par 65 to share the halfway lead with overnight leader Mardan Mamat of Singapore at the US$1 million Resorts World Manila Masters presented by 918.com on Friday.
The 19-year-old Wang nailed nine birdies against two bogeys for a two-day total of 11-under-par 133, matching the efforts of Mardan, who finished strongly for a 68 at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.
Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand was two shots back in third place following a 69 while Malaysia’s Danny Chia and Englishman Steve Lewton shared fourth on 137 at the richest golf event in the Philippines.
Hung Chien-yao of Chinese Taipei, Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung and Japan’s Daisuke Kataoka, who was the co-overnight leader, were amongst those sharing sixth place on 138.
Indonesia's George Gandranata was able to fire another solid round of 70 to climb on the leaderboard to a tie for 15th, 7 shots of the lead. Fellow Indonesian Rory Hie (75) had more problems, and with his halfway total of 149 he missed the cut by 4 shots.
Wang, who lived in the Philippines for six years and won the 2011 Philippines Amateur Championship, credited some luck and a hot putter for propelling him into the lead for the first time in an Asian Tour event.
“I have a lot of lucky shots. On my first hole at the 10th, my shot was going out of bounds but it hit the camera tower and bounced into play. I will try my best again tomorrow and hopefully I can keep it going. I have played here a couple of times last year so I’m pretty familiar with the course,” said the Korean, whose family moved to Manila to help in his golf career due to the cheaper costs to practice.
“I changed my putter last week and it’s working well. I am very nervous to be in the lead actually. I will play safely and try to stay out of trouble. Philippines feel a bit like home to me.”
Veteran Mardan was one over par through 12 holes before brilliantly sinking five birdies over his closing six holes to give himself a chance of winning a fourth Asian Tour victory and save his Tour card.
“I told myself to stay patient and I managed to finish well. I knew I had to keep to my pace to stay in contention and I managed to do it,” said the 47-year-old veteran, who is in 74th position on the Order of Merit.
The Singaporean swinger said the birdie on six from close range helped him finish strongly. “I hit good iron shots and my putting got better on the back nine. My longest putt was on the seventh hole from about 20 feet. The birdie on sixth actually got my momentum going. I hit a four iron to about two feet and I regained my confidence from there,” he said.
After struggling all season, Mardan finished well last week in Chiangmai and said his good friend Zaw Moe of Myanmar pointed out some flaws in his game.
“He kind of pin-pointed my problems. It seems like my ball position was not in place and that’s why my game was all over the place. It’s back in shape now and I guess that’s why I am playing differently these two weeks. It’s good to have to a friend who knows my swing well and is able to spot what I’ve been doing wrong. It’s more the fundamentals that I’ve been working on. I’m happy it’s paying off now,” said the 47-year-old.
Big-hitting Kiradech paid the price for being overly aggressive on the par five 18th hole which cost him a bogey and dropped him two shots off the lead.
“It’s not a bad position but I’m not happy with my finish, finishing with a six which I’m quite upset. I couldn’t get up and down from about 15 yards with the third shot. It wasn’t good. My caddy asked me to lay up … it wasn’t sitting in a good lie but I was trying to hit it as close as possible to the green and get up and down for birdie to tie for the lead,” said the 25-year-old.
“I’m striking the ball well and rolling the ball well. I’ve got a lot of confidence after some top five or top-10s. I’m going for another title.”
Lewton, who claimed a breakthrough Asian Tour victory at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in October, was relieved to regain some good form after missing three of his last four cuts. “I got off to a really good start and putted very nicely. I missed a few birdie chances but managed to pick up on seventh and eighth,” said the tall Englishman.
Local veteran Antonio Lascuna emerged as the highest placed Filipino following a 71 to trail by the leading duo by five on 139 in tied 11th place while defending champion Liang Wen-chong of China recorded a second straight 71 to sit in tied 29th position.
The halfway cut was set at 145 with 66 players moving into the last two rounds.
Scores after round 2 of the Resorts World Manila Masters (Par 72:
133 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 65-68, WANG Jeung-hun (KOR) 68-65
135 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 66-69
137 – Danny CHIA (MAS) 66-71, Steve LEWTON (ENG) 71-66
138 – HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 67-71, Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 69-69, Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 65-73, Paul PETERSON (USA) 68-70, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 69-69
Selected:
140 – George GANDRANATA (INA) 70-70
149 - Rory HIE (INA) 74-75
The 19-year-old Wang nailed nine birdies against two bogeys for a two-day total of 11-under-par 133, matching the efforts of Mardan, who finished strongly for a 68 at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.
Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand was two shots back in third place following a 69 while Malaysia’s Danny Chia and Englishman Steve Lewton shared fourth on 137 at the richest golf event in the Philippines.
Hung Chien-yao of Chinese Taipei, Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung and Japan’s Daisuke Kataoka, who was the co-overnight leader, were amongst those sharing sixth place on 138.
Indonesia's George Gandranata was able to fire another solid round of 70 to climb on the leaderboard to a tie for 15th, 7 shots of the lead. Fellow Indonesian Rory Hie (75) had more problems, and with his halfway total of 149 he missed the cut by 4 shots.
Wang, who lived in the Philippines for six years and won the 2011 Philippines Amateur Championship, credited some luck and a hot putter for propelling him into the lead for the first time in an Asian Tour event.
“I have a lot of lucky shots. On my first hole at the 10th, my shot was going out of bounds but it hit the camera tower and bounced into play. I will try my best again tomorrow and hopefully I can keep it going. I have played here a couple of times last year so I’m pretty familiar with the course,” said the Korean, whose family moved to Manila to help in his golf career due to the cheaper costs to practice.
“I changed my putter last week and it’s working well. I am very nervous to be in the lead actually. I will play safely and try to stay out of trouble. Philippines feel a bit like home to me.”
Veteran Mardan was one over par through 12 holes before brilliantly sinking five birdies over his closing six holes to give himself a chance of winning a fourth Asian Tour victory and save his Tour card.
“I told myself to stay patient and I managed to finish well. I knew I had to keep to my pace to stay in contention and I managed to do it,” said the 47-year-old veteran, who is in 74th position on the Order of Merit.
The Singaporean swinger said the birdie on six from close range helped him finish strongly. “I hit good iron shots and my putting got better on the back nine. My longest putt was on the seventh hole from about 20 feet. The birdie on sixth actually got my momentum going. I hit a four iron to about two feet and I regained my confidence from there,” he said.
After struggling all season, Mardan finished well last week in Chiangmai and said his good friend Zaw Moe of Myanmar pointed out some flaws in his game.
“He kind of pin-pointed my problems. It seems like my ball position was not in place and that’s why my game was all over the place. It’s back in shape now and I guess that’s why I am playing differently these two weeks. It’s good to have to a friend who knows my swing well and is able to spot what I’ve been doing wrong. It’s more the fundamentals that I’ve been working on. I’m happy it’s paying off now,” said the 47-year-old.
Big-hitting Kiradech paid the price for being overly aggressive on the par five 18th hole which cost him a bogey and dropped him two shots off the lead.
“It’s not a bad position but I’m not happy with my finish, finishing with a six which I’m quite upset. I couldn’t get up and down from about 15 yards with the third shot. It wasn’t good. My caddy asked me to lay up … it wasn’t sitting in a good lie but I was trying to hit it as close as possible to the green and get up and down for birdie to tie for the lead,” said the 25-year-old.
“I’m striking the ball well and rolling the ball well. I’ve got a lot of confidence after some top five or top-10s. I’m going for another title.”
Lewton, who claimed a breakthrough Asian Tour victory at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in October, was relieved to regain some good form after missing three of his last four cuts. “I got off to a really good start and putted very nicely. I missed a few birdie chances but managed to pick up on seventh and eighth,” said the tall Englishman.
Local veteran Antonio Lascuna emerged as the highest placed Filipino following a 71 to trail by the leading duo by five on 139 in tied 11th place while defending champion Liang Wen-chong of China recorded a second straight 71 to sit in tied 29th position.
The halfway cut was set at 145 with 66 players moving into the last two rounds.
Scores after round 2 of the Resorts World Manila Masters (Par 72:
133 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 65-68, WANG Jeung-hun (KOR) 68-65
135 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 66-69
137 – Danny CHIA (MAS) 66-71, Steve LEWTON (ENG) 71-66
138 – HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 67-71, Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 69-69, Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 65-73, Paul PETERSON (USA) 68-70, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 69-69
Selected:
140 – George GANDRANATA (INA) 70-70
149 - Rory HIE (INA) 74-75
Gavrilla Ayra Signs With Wichita State Athletics
WICHITA, Kansas, USA – Wichita State women’s golf has signed Gavrilla Ayra to a national letter of intent in the early signing period, Head Coach Tom McCurdy announced on Nov. 20.
“Gavrilla is a really solid player,” McCurdy said. “She has a tremendous amount of good international experience and she has played against the best. She understands what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level and she has a great work ethic.
“Fundamentally, her swing is beautiful and in her short game she has all the shots. She’s a great thinker on the golf course and the kind of player we like to develop at Wichita State. She has a great foundation to build upon and her attitude is amazing, she is such a positive person. As hard as she works, she has a really good balance of not being too hard on herself and she has the ability to still have fun while grinding at the same time. I think she is going to be a fantastic addition immediately to our program.”
Ayra, a native of Jakarta, Indonesia, attends Laurel Springs School. She is a two-time winner of the Indonesian National Junior Golf Championship with victories in 2011 (77-73-76) and 2012 (76-79-72). In 2013, she was runner-up at the Enjoy Jakarta Junior World Golf Championship (75-74-77) and earned her first amateur title at the Kuala Lumpur Amateur Open (70-67-76).
Also in 2013, she finished in fourth place at the Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open (74-71-70) and finished in fifth place at the U.S. Kids Golf Teens World Golf Championships (75-74-73).
Gavrilla represented Indonesia for the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships five years in a row (2010-14) and is a member of the 2013 Indonesian National Golf Team. While with the National Golf Team, she represented Indonesia in the South East Asian Team Championships in the Philippines and helped the team to a third place finish. She also represented the team in the South East Asian Games in Myanmar and helped the team to a fourth place finish.
“Gavrilla is a really solid player,” McCurdy said. “She has a tremendous amount of good international experience and she has played against the best. She understands what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level and she has a great work ethic.
“Fundamentally, her swing is beautiful and in her short game she has all the shots. She’s a great thinker on the golf course and the kind of player we like to develop at Wichita State. She has a great foundation to build upon and her attitude is amazing, she is such a positive person. As hard as she works, she has a really good balance of not being too hard on herself and she has the ability to still have fun while grinding at the same time. I think she is going to be a fantastic addition immediately to our program.”
Ayra, a native of Jakarta, Indonesia, attends Laurel Springs School. She is a two-time winner of the Indonesian National Junior Golf Championship with victories in 2011 (77-73-76) and 2012 (76-79-72). In 2013, she was runner-up at the Enjoy Jakarta Junior World Golf Championship (75-74-77) and earned her first amateur title at the Kuala Lumpur Amateur Open (70-67-76).
Also in 2013, she finished in fourth place at the Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open (74-71-70) and finished in fifth place at the U.S. Kids Golf Teens World Golf Championships (75-74-73).
Gavrilla represented Indonesia for the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships five years in a row (2010-14) and is a member of the 2013 Indonesian National Golf Team. While with the National Golf Team, she represented Indonesia in the South East Asian Team Championships in the Philippines and helped the team to a third place finish. She also represented the team in the South East Asian Games in Myanmar and helped the team to a fourth place finish.
Supravee Phatam Wins First Borobudur Golf Classic
Magelang, November 21: Thailand’s Supravee Phatam capitalized on good karma in the shadow of the world famous Borobudur Temple and sauntered to a convincing victory in the US$60,000 Borobudur Classic today.
Supravee completed an impressive wire-to-wire win after closing with a one-under-par 71 at Borobudur International Golf & Country Club – located just 20 minutes from the world’s largest Buddhist temple.
He ended the ASEAN PGA Tour event on 11-under-par 277 and finished two strokes ahead of compatriot Pijit Petchkasem, who fired a 69.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat returned a 67 finishing a stroke further behind.
Supravee fired a course record 65 on the opening and never looked back with ensuing rounds of 72, 69 and 71.
“I am pleased to get my first win as a professional. I have been working very hard since I turned professional three years ago,” said Supravee, who earned a cheque for US$9,750.
“It was a tough battle as Pijit pushed me all the way. I had a feeling he might come through. I had a couple of three putts on the back and made some poor approach shots.”
Supravee had a four-shot lead at the start of the day. He began well by going out in two under before giving the chasing pack some hope by making bogey on 13 and 14.
Pijit fired four birdies and dropped one shot on the homeward stretch to put the pressure on the leader but had to settle for second place.
“It is one of my best finishes on the ASEAN PGA Tour. I just ran out of holes,” said Pijit.
Wisut, a five-time winner on the ASEAN PGA Tour, made his expected final day charge and after dropping a shot on the fourth he shifted gear and accelerated up the leaderboard with birdies on seven, eight and nine and then 11, 13 and 18.
Andik Mauluddin shot a 72 to finish as the leading Indonesian in joint fourth place along with Thailand’s Tanatchan Puaktes, who carded a 73.
Indonesian Jo Seik, whose Korean parents raised him from birth in Jakarta, finished as the leading amateur in a tie for eighth position following a 73.
Earlier this year he claimed the Indonesian Amateur Championship.
The next event on the ASEAN PGA Tour is the season-ending US$75,000 Sabah Masters at Sutera Harbour Golf Club from January 14 to 17.
Leading final round scores (Par 72):
277 – Supravee PHATAM (THA) 65 72 69 71
279 – Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 74 67 69 69
280 – Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 74 66 73 67
284 – Andik MAULUDDIN 71 70 71 72, Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 73 68 70 73
286 – GOH Kun Yang (SIN) 71 76 68 71, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 72 69 72 73
287 – Jo SEIK (am) 71 70 73 73, Pasamet POGAMNERD (THA) 68 75 70 74
289 – Kurnia HERISHANDY 75 72 72 70
Selected:
295 – Fahmi REZA 74 72 76 73, Jordan IRAWAN 73 73 71 78, Rinaldi ADIANDONO 73 72 71 79
296 – Indra HERMAWAN 75 75 74 72, ADE Sebul 73 75 74 74
298 - JUNAIDI Ibrahim73 75 74 76
299 - JAMEL Ondo 299 75 72 75 77
300 - Fajar WIN NURYANTO 72 74 76 78
302 - Alwie RAMADHAN 77 75 78 72, SARMILIH 76 75 76 75
303 - Asep SAEFULLOH 78 79 74 72, RUDIANTO 80 74 74 75
304 - Andi SOEYATMO 74 78 78 74
305 - SUPRIYATNA 78 77 74 76
306 - ILYASSAK 77 74 77 78
307 - MAHPUDIN 76 73 81 77
308 - Ismail HAMZAH 81 74 76 77
, ASNAN 75 74 78 81
310 - SOEWARNO K. 82 82 72 74, Yonathan CHRISTYAWAN (am) 80 79 76 75, HAMZAH Rachmadi 78 81 76 75, Adi BRAMANTIO 80 78 76 76
313 - Iwan SUWANTONO 77 81 79 76
315 - SUMARNO 75 76 87 77, Haryono MIN 78 78 78 81
316 - BENNY (am) 82 76 79 79, Zulharmen TABUSALLA 79 81 77 79
318 - Min Sub SIM (am) 78 78 83 79
320 - SUJARWO 86 79 76 79, Joko SETIABUDI 79 81 79 81
321 - SUJAI 81 82 81 77, Rudi HARTONO 77 80 78 86
338 - PUDYO 87 82 84 85
339 - Johanes RUDIANTO 86 81 82 90
Supravee completed an impressive wire-to-wire win after closing with a one-under-par 71 at Borobudur International Golf & Country Club – located just 20 minutes from the world’s largest Buddhist temple.
He ended the ASEAN PGA Tour event on 11-under-par 277 and finished two strokes ahead of compatriot Pijit Petchkasem, who fired a 69.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat returned a 67 finishing a stroke further behind.
Supravee fired a course record 65 on the opening and never looked back with ensuing rounds of 72, 69 and 71.
“I am pleased to get my first win as a professional. I have been working very hard since I turned professional three years ago,” said Supravee, who earned a cheque for US$9,750.
“It was a tough battle as Pijit pushed me all the way. I had a feeling he might come through. I had a couple of three putts on the back and made some poor approach shots.”
Supravee had a four-shot lead at the start of the day. He began well by going out in two under before giving the chasing pack some hope by making bogey on 13 and 14.
Pijit fired four birdies and dropped one shot on the homeward stretch to put the pressure on the leader but had to settle for second place.
“It is one of my best finishes on the ASEAN PGA Tour. I just ran out of holes,” said Pijit.
Wisut, a five-time winner on the ASEAN PGA Tour, made his expected final day charge and after dropping a shot on the fourth he shifted gear and accelerated up the leaderboard with birdies on seven, eight and nine and then 11, 13 and 18.
Andik Mauluddin shot a 72 to finish as the leading Indonesian in joint fourth place along with Thailand’s Tanatchan Puaktes, who carded a 73.
Indonesian Jo Seik, whose Korean parents raised him from birth in Jakarta, finished as the leading amateur in a tie for eighth position following a 73.
Earlier this year he claimed the Indonesian Amateur Championship.
The next event on the ASEAN PGA Tour is the season-ending US$75,000 Sabah Masters at Sutera Harbour Golf Club from January 14 to 17.
Leading final round scores (Par 72):
277 – Supravee PHATAM (THA) 65 72 69 71
279 – Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 74 67 69 69
280 – Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 74 66 73 67
284 – Andik MAULUDDIN 71 70 71 72, Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 73 68 70 73
286 – GOH Kun Yang (SIN) 71 76 68 71, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 72 69 72 73
287 – Jo SEIK (am) 71 70 73 73, Pasamet POGAMNERD (THA) 68 75 70 74
289 – Kurnia HERISHANDY 75 72 72 70
Selected:
295 – Fahmi REZA 74 72 76 73, Jordan IRAWAN 73 73 71 78, Rinaldi ADIANDONO 73 72 71 79
296 – Indra HERMAWAN 75 75 74 72, ADE Sebul 73 75 74 74
298 - JUNAIDI Ibrahim73 75 74 76
299 - JAMEL Ondo 299 75 72 75 77
300 - Fajar WIN NURYANTO 72 74 76 78
302 - Alwie RAMADHAN 77 75 78 72, SARMILIH 76 75 76 75
303 - Asep SAEFULLOH 78 79 74 72, RUDIANTO 80 74 74 75
304 - Andi SOEYATMO 74 78 78 74
305 - SUPRIYATNA 78 77 74 76
306 - ILYASSAK 77 74 77 78
307 - MAHPUDIN 76 73 81 77
308 - Ismail HAMZAH 81 74 76 77
, ASNAN 75 74 78 81
310 - SOEWARNO K. 82 82 72 74, Yonathan CHRISTYAWAN (am) 80 79 76 75, HAMZAH Rachmadi 78 81 76 75, Adi BRAMANTIO 80 78 76 76
313 - Iwan SUWANTONO 77 81 79 76
315 - SUMARNO 75 76 87 77, Haryono MIN 78 78 78 81
316 - BENNY (am) 82 76 79 79, Zulharmen TABUSALLA 79 81 77 79
318 - Min Sub SIM (am) 78 78 83 79
320 - SUJARWO 86 79 76 79, Joko SETIABUDI 79 81 79 81
321 - SUJAI 81 82 81 77, Rudi HARTONO 77 80 78 86
338 - PUDYO 87 82 84 85
339 - Johanes RUDIANTO 86 81 82 90
Thursday, November 20, 2014
George Gandranata Extends Good Form To Resorts World Manila Masters
Manila, November 20 - Singapore’s veteran Mardan Mamat and Daisuke Kataoka of Japan overcame gusty winds to post seven-under-par 65s and share the first round lead at the US$1 million Resorts World Manila Masters presented by 918.com on Thursday.
The 47-year-old Mardan, a three-time Asian Tour winner, was rock solid at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, hitting all but one green in regulation which yielded eight birdies against a lone bogey.
Kataoka, 26, needed only 25 putts in his seven-birdie round as he put himself in contention for a maiden Asian Tour victory in what is the richest golf tournament in the Philippines.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and seasoned Malaysian campaigner Danny Chia carded 66s to trail by one while 2011 Order of Merit champion Juvic Pagunsan led the Philippine charge with a 67 to share fifth place with American Anthony Kang, Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao and Aussie duo Terry Pilkadaris and Sam Brazel.
Indonesian George Gandranata continued his run of strong rounds by coming in with a round of 70, good for a tie for 20th place on the leaderboard, while compatriot Rory Hie, who needed 4 shots more for the round, will have to work hard tomorrow to make the cut, as he's currently in a tie for 73rd.
Title holder Liang Wen-chong of China birdied two of his last three holes to salvage a 71 while last year’s runner-up Prom Meesawat of Thailand, the highest ranked player in the field, settled for a 73.
Languishing in 74th position on the Order of Merit, Mardan, winner of the 2012 Philippine Open, was delighted with his ball striking in tough afternoon conditions. “I hit the ball solid from tee to green and managed to hole some putts. It’s not easy out there, especially on the front nine where it was really windy,” said Mardan, who finished tied 25th at the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT last week.
“I’m trying to not think about keeping my card. It’s not the end of the world for me if I don’t make it into top-60 on the Order of Merit. I want to enjoy my golf. It’s always nice to come back to the Philippines, especially since I won the Philippine Open two years back. I’ve got nice memories here.”
Kataoka, who has two previous top-10s in the Philippines, feels right at home in his Resorts World Manila Masters debut. “I seem to score well in the Philippines,” said the young Japanese.
“My tee shots were always on the fairway and second shots were always on the green. And my putting was very good. I had good touch today.”
Big-hitting Kiradech, playing for the first time as a professional in the Philippines, fired an eagle and four birdies at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Masters course to move into contention for a third Asian Tour victory.
The 25-year-old Kiradech took full advantage of his length on the par five 18th hole where he sank a simple four-foot putt for eagle. “My ball striking was really good,” said the burly Thai. “I was actually hesitating if I should play this week because my knee is not feeling too good. I only decided on Monday to play but I will try my best and we will see how it goes.”
Chia missed last year’ s inaugural Resorts World Manila Masters through an injury layoff but his caddy Mohamed Ali worked for Liang, who won the title via a play-off. The Malaysian joked that his bagman nearly cost him some shots in a round that included seven birdies against a lone bogey.
“He nearly cost me a few,” laughed Chia, who is currently ranked 54th on the Merit list and was top-10 in Chiangmai last week. “I’m hitting it solid. I have been playing well. I found something in my swing last week but I’m not going to tell you what it is. It’s a secret.
““It helps a lot to be on form at this time of the year. Hopefully I can keep up the good form and secure a good result this week.”
Smooth-swinging Pagunsan was bogey-free as he stayed within touching distance of the leaders. He birdied three of the four par fives and believes he has a good chance of securing a home victory.
“It’s a really good start. I didn’t think about whether I shot birdies or bogeys. I just wanted to go out to play,” said Pagunsan. “I kept my focus on every shot, just tried to hit fairways and hit the greens and make two putts. If I got lucky, I would make a one-putt for birdie,” said Pagunsan.
“I played here three practice rounds here last week and if I have a chance to win, I’ll take it. I just need to keep my focus. It’s all about hitting good shots.”
Leading scores after the first round of the Resorts World Manila Masters (Par 72):
65 - Mardan MAMAT (SIN), Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN)
66 - Danny CHIA (MAS), Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA)
67 - Terry PILKADARIS (AUS), Juvic PAGUNSAN (PHI), Anthony KANG (USA), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), HUNG Chien-yao (TWN)
68 - WANG Jeung-hun (KOR), LU Wen-teh (TWN), Paul PETERSON (USA), Antonio LASCUNA (PHI), Himmat RAI (IND)
Selected
70 - George GANDRANATA (INA)
74 - Rory HIE (INA)
The 47-year-old Mardan, a three-time Asian Tour winner, was rock solid at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, hitting all but one green in regulation which yielded eight birdies against a lone bogey.
Kataoka, 26, needed only 25 putts in his seven-birdie round as he put himself in contention for a maiden Asian Tour victory in what is the richest golf tournament in the Philippines.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and seasoned Malaysian campaigner Danny Chia carded 66s to trail by one while 2011 Order of Merit champion Juvic Pagunsan led the Philippine charge with a 67 to share fifth place with American Anthony Kang, Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao and Aussie duo Terry Pilkadaris and Sam Brazel.
Indonesian George Gandranata continued his run of strong rounds by coming in with a round of 70, good for a tie for 20th place on the leaderboard, while compatriot Rory Hie, who needed 4 shots more for the round, will have to work hard tomorrow to make the cut, as he's currently in a tie for 73rd.
Title holder Liang Wen-chong of China birdied two of his last three holes to salvage a 71 while last year’s runner-up Prom Meesawat of Thailand, the highest ranked player in the field, settled for a 73.
Languishing in 74th position on the Order of Merit, Mardan, winner of the 2012 Philippine Open, was delighted with his ball striking in tough afternoon conditions. “I hit the ball solid from tee to green and managed to hole some putts. It’s not easy out there, especially on the front nine where it was really windy,” said Mardan, who finished tied 25th at the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT last week.
“I’m trying to not think about keeping my card. It’s not the end of the world for me if I don’t make it into top-60 on the Order of Merit. I want to enjoy my golf. It’s always nice to come back to the Philippines, especially since I won the Philippine Open two years back. I’ve got nice memories here.”
Kataoka, who has two previous top-10s in the Philippines, feels right at home in his Resorts World Manila Masters debut. “I seem to score well in the Philippines,” said the young Japanese.
“My tee shots were always on the fairway and second shots were always on the green. And my putting was very good. I had good touch today.”
Big-hitting Kiradech, playing for the first time as a professional in the Philippines, fired an eagle and four birdies at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Masters course to move into contention for a third Asian Tour victory.
The 25-year-old Kiradech took full advantage of his length on the par five 18th hole where he sank a simple four-foot putt for eagle. “My ball striking was really good,” said the burly Thai. “I was actually hesitating if I should play this week because my knee is not feeling too good. I only decided on Monday to play but I will try my best and we will see how it goes.”
Chia missed last year’ s inaugural Resorts World Manila Masters through an injury layoff but his caddy Mohamed Ali worked for Liang, who won the title via a play-off. The Malaysian joked that his bagman nearly cost him some shots in a round that included seven birdies against a lone bogey.
“He nearly cost me a few,” laughed Chia, who is currently ranked 54th on the Merit list and was top-10 in Chiangmai last week. “I’m hitting it solid. I have been playing well. I found something in my swing last week but I’m not going to tell you what it is. It’s a secret.
““It helps a lot to be on form at this time of the year. Hopefully I can keep up the good form and secure a good result this week.”
Smooth-swinging Pagunsan was bogey-free as he stayed within touching distance of the leaders. He birdied three of the four par fives and believes he has a good chance of securing a home victory.
“It’s a really good start. I didn’t think about whether I shot birdies or bogeys. I just wanted to go out to play,” said Pagunsan. “I kept my focus on every shot, just tried to hit fairways and hit the greens and make two putts. If I got lucky, I would make a one-putt for birdie,” said Pagunsan.
“I played here three practice rounds here last week and if I have a chance to win, I’ll take it. I just need to keep my focus. It’s all about hitting good shots.”
Leading scores after the first round of the Resorts World Manila Masters (Par 72):
65 - Mardan MAMAT (SIN), Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN)
66 - Danny CHIA (MAS), Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA)
67 - Terry PILKADARIS (AUS), Juvic PAGUNSAN (PHI), Anthony KANG (USA), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), HUNG Chien-yao (TWN)
68 - WANG Jeung-hun (KOR), LU Wen-teh (TWN), Paul PETERSON (USA), Antonio LASCUNA (PHI), Himmat RAI (IND)
Selected
70 - George GANDRANATA (INA)
74 - Rory HIE (INA)
Andik Mauluddin Eyeing Podium Spot At Borobudur Golf Classic
Magelang, November 20 - Supravee Phatam confidently kept the lead in the US$60,000 Borobudur Classic for the third straight day after carding a three-under-par 69.
The Thai golfer, looking for his first win on the ASEAN PGA Tour, move to 10-under-par for the tournament for a four-shot lead.
His compatriot Pijit Petchkasem also carded a 69 at Borobudur International Golf & Country Club to move into second position.
Thailand’s Tanatchan Puaktes returned a 70 and is a shot further adrift along with Indonesian Andik Mauluddin, also in with 70.
“I believe in myself and believe I can do this,” said Supravee.
“I rolled in some nice putts and kept my game together. I feel comfortable and I am not letting the pressure get to me.”
He led by three after the first and second rounds and has kept the ball out of trouble on a tight golf course that can see big numbers carded on some holes.
Supravee dropped a shot on the third but rallied with birdies on seven, 10, 16 and 17.
Pijit, another Thai looking for his maiden ASEAN PGA title, birdied the opening two holes and then the fifth to mount a challenge. He was unable to maintain that form but is in with a fine chance of victory tomorrow.
Mauluddin, one of the country’s leading players who has been looking for a breakthrough win at the top level, made an eagle on the par-five 18th to close the gap on the leaders.
“I chipped in for that eagle. It was lucky but I am playing well and have a chance,” said Mauluddin.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, one of the favorites to win and a five-time winner on the ASEAN PGA Tour, fired a 73 and is seven behind the leader in fifth place.
He is tied with countrymen Pasamet Pogamnerd (70) and Annop Tangkamolprasert (72).
This year marks the first edition of the Borobudur Classic, an event located just 20-minutes from the world famous Borobudur Temple.
Leading third round scores (Par 72):
(Indonesian unless noted)
206 - Supravee PHATAM (THA) 65 72 69
210 - Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 74 67 69
211 - Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 73 68 70
212 - Andik MAULUDDIN 71 70 71
213 - Pasamet POGAMNERD (THA) 68 75 70, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 72 69 72, Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 74 66 73
214 - Jo SEIK 71 70 73
215 - GOH Kun Yang (SIN) 71 76 68
216 - Rinaldi ADIANDONO 73 72 71
Selected:
217 - Jordan IRAWAN 73 73 71
219 - Kurnia HERISHANDY 75 72 72
222 - Ibrahim JUNAIDI 73 75 74, , Sebul ADE 73 75 74, Ondo JAMEL 75 72 75, Fahmi REZA 74 72 76, Fajar WIN NURYANTO 72 74 76
224 - Indra HERMAWAN 75 75 74
227 - SARMILIH 76 75 76, ASNAN 75 74 78
228 - RUDIANTO 80 74 74, ILYASSAK 77 74 77
229 - SUPRIYATNA 78 77 74
230 - Andi SOEYATMO 74 78 78, Alwie RAMADHAN 77 75 78, S. MAHPUDIN 76 73 81
231 - Asep SAEFULLOH 78 79 74, Ismail HAMZAH 81 74 76
234 - Adi BRAMANTIO 80 78 76, Haryono MIN 78 78 78
235 - Rachmadi HAMZAH 78 81 76, Yonathan CHRISTYAWAN 80 79 76, Rudi HARTONO 77 80 78
236 - K. SOEWARNO 82 82 72
237 - Zulharmen TABUSALLA 79 81 77, Iwan SUWANTONO 77 81 79, BENNY 82 76 79
238 - SUMARNO 75 76 87
239 - Joko SETIABUDI 79 81 79, SIM Min Sub 78 78 83
241 - SUJARWO 86 79 76, Sendy SUSANTO 82 75 84
244 - SUJAI 81 82 81
249 - Johanes RUDIANTO 86 81 82
253 - PUDYO 87 82 84
254 - Agus SUMARTONO 81 87 86
The Thai golfer, looking for his first win on the ASEAN PGA Tour, move to 10-under-par for the tournament for a four-shot lead.
His compatriot Pijit Petchkasem also carded a 69 at Borobudur International Golf & Country Club to move into second position.
Thailand’s Tanatchan Puaktes returned a 70 and is a shot further adrift along with Indonesian Andik Mauluddin, also in with 70.
“I believe in myself and believe I can do this,” said Supravee.
“I rolled in some nice putts and kept my game together. I feel comfortable and I am not letting the pressure get to me.”
He led by three after the first and second rounds and has kept the ball out of trouble on a tight golf course that can see big numbers carded on some holes.
Supravee dropped a shot on the third but rallied with birdies on seven, 10, 16 and 17.
Pijit, another Thai looking for his maiden ASEAN PGA title, birdied the opening two holes and then the fifth to mount a challenge. He was unable to maintain that form but is in with a fine chance of victory tomorrow.
Mauluddin, one of the country’s leading players who has been looking for a breakthrough win at the top level, made an eagle on the par-five 18th to close the gap on the leaders.
“I chipped in for that eagle. It was lucky but I am playing well and have a chance,” said Mauluddin.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, one of the favorites to win and a five-time winner on the ASEAN PGA Tour, fired a 73 and is seven behind the leader in fifth place.
He is tied with countrymen Pasamet Pogamnerd (70) and Annop Tangkamolprasert (72).
This year marks the first edition of the Borobudur Classic, an event located just 20-minutes from the world famous Borobudur Temple.
Leading third round scores (Par 72):
(Indonesian unless noted)
206 - Supravee PHATAM (THA) 65 72 69
210 - Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 74 67 69
211 - Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 73 68 70
212 - Andik MAULUDDIN 71 70 71
213 - Pasamet POGAMNERD (THA) 68 75 70, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 72 69 72, Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 74 66 73
214 - Jo SEIK 71 70 73
215 - GOH Kun Yang (SIN) 71 76 68
216 - Rinaldi ADIANDONO 73 72 71
Selected:
217 - Jordan IRAWAN 73 73 71
219 - Kurnia HERISHANDY 75 72 72
222 - Ibrahim JUNAIDI 73 75 74, , Sebul ADE 73 75 74, Ondo JAMEL 75 72 75, Fahmi REZA 74 72 76, Fajar WIN NURYANTO 72 74 76
224 - Indra HERMAWAN 75 75 74
227 - SARMILIH 76 75 76, ASNAN 75 74 78
228 - RUDIANTO 80 74 74, ILYASSAK 77 74 77
229 - SUPRIYATNA 78 77 74
230 - Andi SOEYATMO 74 78 78, Alwie RAMADHAN 77 75 78, S. MAHPUDIN 76 73 81
231 - Asep SAEFULLOH 78 79 74, Ismail HAMZAH 81 74 76
234 - Adi BRAMANTIO 80 78 76, Haryono MIN 78 78 78
235 - Rachmadi HAMZAH 78 81 76, Yonathan CHRISTYAWAN 80 79 76, Rudi HARTONO 77 80 78
236 - K. SOEWARNO 82 82 72
237 - Zulharmen TABUSALLA 79 81 77, Iwan SUWANTONO 77 81 79, BENNY 82 76 79
238 - SUMARNO 75 76 87
239 - Joko SETIABUDI 79 81 79, SIM Min Sub 78 78 83
241 - SUJARWO 86 79 76, Sendy SUSANTO 82 75 84
244 - SUJAI 81 82 81
249 - Johanes RUDIANTO 86 81 82
253 - PUDYO 87 82 84
254 - Agus SUMARTONO 81 87 86
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Locals Keep Trailing Thais At Borobudur Golf Classic
EAGLE EYED SUPRAVEE HOLDS HALFWAY LEAD IN BOROBUDUR CLASSIC
Magelang, November 19 - Supravee Phatam maintained his three-shot lead at the halfway mark of the US$60,000 Borobudur Classic today after shooting an even-par 72.
The young Thai golfer made an eagle on the par-five final hole at Borobudur International Golf & Country Club to put himself in a strong position in the penultimate event of the 2014/2015 season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
His countryman Wisut Artjanawat, the ASEAN PGA’s most decorated golfer, stormed through with a 66 to sit in second place.
Thais are dominating the leaderboard as Pijit Petchkasem (67), Annop Tangkamolprasert (69), and Tanatchan Puaktes (68) are tied for third a stroke further back along with one of Indonesia’s top professionals Andik Mauluddin (70) and amateur Jo Seik (70).
The golf club is located just 20 minutes from Borobudur Temple, which is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, and Supravee certainly finished his round with divine intervention.
He struggled on the front nine and made the turn in three-over-par 33 as the result of a double bogey on five and a bogey on the eighth.
He later proceeded to birdie 13, bogey the next, follow that with back-to-back birdies before a bogey on the 17th. He then recovered once again with a much needed three on 18.
“That was certainly an up and down round. I had to work really hard all the way,” said Supravee, who is looking for his first win on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
“I could not get into my rhythm and had to battle really hard. I am really happy with the way I held it together and finished strongly.”
Supravee is on seven-under-par 137.
v Wisut has triumphed five times on the ASEAN PGA Tour, the most recent in January’s Sabah Masters.
He also claimed the Order of Merit title in 2011 and will be the hot favorite over the remaining two days.
“It is nice to be back in contention. It hasn’t been a very good year for me and after my first round 74 it looked like it may be a bad week. I played well today and importantly kept the ball out of trouble. You have to do that on this course as you can shoot big scores and some holes like I did on day one,” said Wisut.
v Thailand’s Pasamet Pogamnerd shot a 75 and is six off the lead in a tie for eighth.
(Indonesian unless stated)
Leading second round scores (Par 72):
137 - Supravee PHATAM (THA) 65 72
140 - Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 74 66
141 - Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 74 67, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 72 69, Jo SEIK 71 70, Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 73 68, Andik MAULUDDIN 71 70
143 - Pasamet POGAMNERD (THA) 68 75
145 - Ak WIRA (BRU) 74 71, Rinaldi ADIANDONO 73 72
Selected:
146 - Fajar WIN NURYANTO 72 74, Jordan IRAWAN 73 73, Fahmi REZA 74 72
147 - Kurnia HERISHANDY 75 72, JAMEL Ondo 75 72
148 - ADE Sebul 73 75, JUNAIDI Ibrahim 73 75
149 - MAHPUDIN 76 73, ASNAN 75 74
150 - Indra HERMAWAN 75 75
151 - SARMILIH 76 75, SUMARNO 75 76, ILYASSAK 77 74
152 - Alwie RAMADHAN 77 75, Andi SOEYATMO 74 78
154 - Tjia Eddy SUSANTO 77 77, RUDIANTO 80 74
155 - Ismail HAMZAH 81 74, SUPRIYATNA 78 77
156 - SIM Min Sub 78 78, Haryono MIN 78 78
157 - Rudi HARTONO 77 80, Asep SAEFULLOH 78 79, Sendy SUSANTO 82 75
158 - BENNY 82 76, Iwan SUWANTONO 77 81, Adi BRAMANTIO 80 78
159 - Yonathan CHRISTYAWAN 80 79, Rachmadi HAMZAH 78 81
160 - Joko SETIABUDI 79 81, Zulharmen TABUSALLA 79 81
163 - SUJAI 81 82
164 - K. SOEWARNO 82 82
165 = SUJARWO 86 79
167 - Johanes RUDIANTO 86 81
168 - Agus SUMARTONO 81 87
169 - PUDYO 87 82
CUT
171 - W. ARNO 90 81, Mahmud DANA 85 86
173 - WARSITO 85 88, Diyono DARMAN 87 86
176 - Wahyudi SUCAHYO 90 86
177 - Zulkarnaen TANJUNG 88 89
188 - Hendra ATMAJA 96 92
The young Thai golfer made an eagle on the par-five final hole at Borobudur International Golf & Country Club to put himself in a strong position in the penultimate event of the 2014/2015 season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
His countryman Wisut Artjanawat, the ASEAN PGA’s most decorated golfer, stormed through with a 66 to sit in second place.
Thais are dominating the leaderboard as Pijit Petchkasem (67), Annop Tangkamolprasert (69), and Tanatchan Puaktes (68) are tied for third a stroke further back along with one of Indonesia’s top professionals Andik Mauluddin (70) and amateur Jo Seik (70).
The golf club is located just 20 minutes from Borobudur Temple, which is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, and Supravee certainly finished his round with divine intervention.
He struggled on the front nine and made the turn in three-over-par 33 as the result of a double bogey on five and a bogey on the eighth.
He later proceeded to birdie 13, bogey the next, follow that with back-to-back birdies before a bogey on the 17th. He then recovered once again with a much needed three on 18.
“That was certainly an up and down round. I had to work really hard all the way,” said Supravee, who is looking for his first win on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
“I could not get into my rhythm and had to battle really hard. I am really happy with the way I held it together and finished strongly.”
Supravee is on seven-under-par 137.
v Wisut has triumphed five times on the ASEAN PGA Tour, the most recent in January’s Sabah Masters.
He also claimed the Order of Merit title in 2011 and will be the hot favorite over the remaining two days.
“It is nice to be back in contention. It hasn’t been a very good year for me and after my first round 74 it looked like it may be a bad week. I played well today and importantly kept the ball out of trouble. You have to do that on this course as you can shoot big scores and some holes like I did on day one,” said Wisut.
v Thailand’s Pasamet Pogamnerd shot a 75 and is six off the lead in a tie for eighth.
(Indonesian unless stated)
Leading second round scores (Par 72):
137 - Supravee PHATAM (THA) 65 72
140 - Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 74 66
141 - Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 74 67, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 72 69, Jo SEIK 71 70, Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 73 68, Andik MAULUDDIN 71 70
143 - Pasamet POGAMNERD (THA) 68 75
145 - Ak WIRA (BRU) 74 71, Rinaldi ADIANDONO 73 72
Selected:
146 - Fajar WIN NURYANTO 72 74, Jordan IRAWAN 73 73, Fahmi REZA 74 72
147 - Kurnia HERISHANDY 75 72, JAMEL Ondo 75 72
148 - ADE Sebul 73 75, JUNAIDI Ibrahim 73 75
149 - MAHPUDIN 76 73, ASNAN 75 74
150 - Indra HERMAWAN 75 75
151 - SARMILIH 76 75, SUMARNO 75 76, ILYASSAK 77 74
152 - Alwie RAMADHAN 77 75, Andi SOEYATMO 74 78
154 - Tjia Eddy SUSANTO 77 77, RUDIANTO 80 74
155 - Ismail HAMZAH 81 74, SUPRIYATNA 78 77
156 - SIM Min Sub 78 78, Haryono MIN 78 78
157 - Rudi HARTONO 77 80, Asep SAEFULLOH 78 79, Sendy SUSANTO 82 75
158 - BENNY 82 76, Iwan SUWANTONO 77 81, Adi BRAMANTIO 80 78
159 - Yonathan CHRISTYAWAN 80 79, Rachmadi HAMZAH 78 81
160 - Joko SETIABUDI 79 81, Zulharmen TABUSALLA 79 81
163 - SUJAI 81 82
164 - K. SOEWARNO 82 82
165 = SUJARWO 86 79
167 - Johanes RUDIANTO 86 81
168 - Agus SUMARTONO 81 87
169 - PUDYO 87 82
CUT
171 - W. ARNO 90 81, Mahmud DANA 85 86
173 - WARSITO 85 88, Diyono DARMAN 87 86
176 - Wahyudi SUCAHYO 90 86
177 - Zulkarnaen TANJUNG 88 89
188 - Hendra ATMAJA 96 92
Padraig Harrington To Play At Indonesia Open
Jakarta, November 18 - Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland will join the BANK BRI Indonesia Open at the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk course from December 4 to 7.
Thanks to BANK BRI’s title sponsorship and the continued support of event organizer IMPL, the tournament prize fund has been confirmed at US$750,000, reinforcing the Open’s position as one of the leading tournaments in the country.
Harrington became the first player in 102 years to defend The Open Championship title when he won at Royal Birkdale in 2008, the same year he won the PGA Championship and reached a career high of number three in the world ranking.
Having bagged 28 professional titles, the 43-year-old Dublin native is playing the Bank BRI Indonesia Open for the first time.
“I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world playing golf but I’ve never played the Indonesia Open so I’m really looking forward to a new challenge, on a new course in a new country,” said the 2006 European Order of Merit Champion.
“There are some great names on the tournament’s roll of honor including Payne Stewart and Frank Nobilo and I’m very keen to add mine to that list. However, I know the field is going to be strong. Gaganjeet is defending and Scott Hend is in great form having won the Hong Kong Open and finished runner up in Macau so I’m going to have to be on my game to get into contention,” commented Harrington.
As well as the Asian Tour duo of Scott Hend and Gaganjeet Bhullar, Harrington will also have to contend with rising Indonesian star George Gandranata. Gandranata is Indonesia’s highest ranked professional golfer and has been playing his trade on the Asian Development Tour since 2012. The 28-year-old who has won four local tours this season, consistently making every cut in Asian Tour so far, is looking forward to playing at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open and testing himself against the best.
“As a young professional golfer, it’s invaluable to play alongside more experienced pros and learn from them,” commented Gandranata.
“Padraig has been on tour for nearly 20 years and I can learn so much from someone with his experience. Same for the senior Asian Tour guys. It’s fantastic to play with guys like Gaganjeet and Scott – proven winners on tour. The best way for me to improve is to play with and against the top guys on the tour and it’s extremely exciting to be doing that in my national Open,” concluded Gandranata.
Defending champion Bhullar has endured an enforced break from the game after tearing a wrist ligament whilst practicing at home in India. Last year’s wire-to-wire winner is looking forward to getting back into action at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open: “Injury is always a hard time for a sportsman but I’ve been making good progress and I’m really looking forward to making my comeback in Indonesia, a special place for me after last year’s winner,” said Bhullar. “I’ve been walking around with a bright blue cast on my arm for weeks now so it will be good to get that off and a golf glove on!”
Mr. Murdaya Widyawimarta (Po), President of Persatuan Golf Indonesia, the national golf association of Indonesia and organizer of the BANK BRI Indonesia Open, epitomized the excitement around Harrington’s confirmation. “Padraig Harrington is one of the finest golfers of the modern era and it is a true honor to have him at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open. It’s a reflection of the growing stature of our tournament that a three-time Major Champion is playing in the 37th edition of our national open. As we continue to grow and evolve our tournament into a leading Asian Tour event, we hope to welcome more golfers of Padraig’s standing to Indonesia.”
Thanks to BANK BRI’s title sponsorship and the continued support of event organizer IMPL, the tournament prize fund has been confirmed at US$750,000, reinforcing the Open’s position as one of the leading tournaments in the country.
Harrington became the first player in 102 years to defend The Open Championship title when he won at Royal Birkdale in 2008, the same year he won the PGA Championship and reached a career high of number three in the world ranking.
Having bagged 28 professional titles, the 43-year-old Dublin native is playing the Bank BRI Indonesia Open for the first time.
“I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world playing golf but I’ve never played the Indonesia Open so I’m really looking forward to a new challenge, on a new course in a new country,” said the 2006 European Order of Merit Champion.
“There are some great names on the tournament’s roll of honor including Payne Stewart and Frank Nobilo and I’m very keen to add mine to that list. However, I know the field is going to be strong. Gaganjeet is defending and Scott Hend is in great form having won the Hong Kong Open and finished runner up in Macau so I’m going to have to be on my game to get into contention,” commented Harrington.
As well as the Asian Tour duo of Scott Hend and Gaganjeet Bhullar, Harrington will also have to contend with rising Indonesian star George Gandranata. Gandranata is Indonesia’s highest ranked professional golfer and has been playing his trade on the Asian Development Tour since 2012. The 28-year-old who has won four local tours this season, consistently making every cut in Asian Tour so far, is looking forward to playing at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open and testing himself against the best.
“As a young professional golfer, it’s invaluable to play alongside more experienced pros and learn from them,” commented Gandranata.
“Padraig has been on tour for nearly 20 years and I can learn so much from someone with his experience. Same for the senior Asian Tour guys. It’s fantastic to play with guys like Gaganjeet and Scott – proven winners on tour. The best way for me to improve is to play with and against the top guys on the tour and it’s extremely exciting to be doing that in my national Open,” concluded Gandranata.
Defending champion Bhullar has endured an enforced break from the game after tearing a wrist ligament whilst practicing at home in India. Last year’s wire-to-wire winner is looking forward to getting back into action at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open: “Injury is always a hard time for a sportsman but I’ve been making good progress and I’m really looking forward to making my comeback in Indonesia, a special place for me after last year’s winner,” said Bhullar. “I’ve been walking around with a bright blue cast on my arm for weeks now so it will be good to get that off and a golf glove on!”
Mr. Murdaya Widyawimarta (Po), President of Persatuan Golf Indonesia, the national golf association of Indonesia and organizer of the BANK BRI Indonesia Open, epitomized the excitement around Harrington’s confirmation. “Padraig Harrington is one of the finest golfers of the modern era and it is a true honor to have him at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open. It’s a reflection of the growing stature of our tournament that a three-time Major Champion is playing in the 37th edition of our national open. As we continue to grow and evolve our tournament into a leading Asian Tour event, we hope to welcome more golfers of Padraig’s standing to Indonesia.”
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Thais Take The Lead At Borobudur Classic
Magelang, November 18 - Thailand’s Supravee Phatam produced inspirational golf in harmony with his surrounds after firing a seven-under-par 65 on the opening day of the US$60,000 Borobudur Classic.
His performance broke the course record at Borobudur International Golf & Country Club, which is a short 20-minute drive from the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur.
Supravee finished the day with a healthy three-stroke lead over compatriot Pasamet Pogamnerd, in the penultimate event of the 2014/2015 season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Thailand’s Pasavee Lertvilai, Indonesia’s Andik Mauluddin and amateur Jo Seik , Goh Kun Yang from Singapore ended the day tied for third after returning 71s.
In stark contrast to the rest of the field Supravee did not drop any shots. He went out in three under with birdies on the first, third and ninth. Another birdie on the 10th put him in a strong position before he saved the best for last with birdies on the last three holes.
“It is a short course but narrow so you can get into trouble very easily with a big score on one hole,” said Supravee.
“I managed to stay out of trouble with a bit of luck. It will be hard to stay out of trouble all week but I will stick to the same game plan and try and repeat today’s round.”
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, the winner of a record five titles on the ASEAN PGA Tour, was in the hunt for much of the day but made back-to-back double bogey sixes on 13 and 14 to slip to a 74.
This year marks the first Borobudur Classic and the tournament has been set up to assist the local golf tourism industry.
Borobudur temple, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, plays a major role in tourism and is Indonesia’s single most visited tourist attraction.
Leading first round scores (Par-72):
(Indonesian unless stated)
65 - Supravee Phatam (THA)
68 - Pasamet Pogamnerd (THA)
71 -Pasavee Lertvilai (THA), Andik Mauluddin, Goh Kun Yang (SIN), Jo Seik
72 - Fajar Win Nuryanto, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA), Rinaldi Adiandono, Junaidi Ibrahim, Jordan Irawan, Tanatchan Puaktes (THA), Ade Sebul
74 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Andi Soeyatmo, Pijit Petchkasem (THA), Fahmi Rezai, Ak Wira (BRU), Tony Blacker (AUS)
Selected:
75 - Asnan, Indra Hermawan, Jamel Ondo, Kurnia Herishandy, Sumarno
76 - Sarmilih, S. Mahfudin
77 - Rudi Hartono, Ilyassak, Iwan Suwantono, Alwis Ramadhan, Tjia Eddy Susanto
78 - Asep Saefulloh, Sim Min Sub, Haryono Min, Supriyatna, Rachmadi Hamzah
79 - Zulharmen Tabusalla, Joko Setiabudi
80 - Adi Bramntio, Rudianto, Yonathan Christyawan
81 - Ismail Hamzah, Agus Sumartono, Sujai
82 - K. Soewarno, Sendy Susanto, Benny
85 - Warsito, Mahmud Dana
86 - Sujarwo, Johanes Rudianto
87 - Diyono DarmanDARMAN, Pudyo
88 - Zulkarnaen Tanjung
90 - Warno, Wahyudi Sucahyo
96 - Hendra Atmaja
His performance broke the course record at Borobudur International Golf & Country Club, which is a short 20-minute drive from the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur.
Supravee finished the day with a healthy three-stroke lead over compatriot Pasamet Pogamnerd, in the penultimate event of the 2014/2015 season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Thailand’s Pasavee Lertvilai, Indonesia’s Andik Mauluddin and amateur Jo Seik , Goh Kun Yang from Singapore ended the day tied for third after returning 71s.
In stark contrast to the rest of the field Supravee did not drop any shots. He went out in three under with birdies on the first, third and ninth. Another birdie on the 10th put him in a strong position before he saved the best for last with birdies on the last three holes.
“It is a short course but narrow so you can get into trouble very easily with a big score on one hole,” said Supravee.
“I managed to stay out of trouble with a bit of luck. It will be hard to stay out of trouble all week but I will stick to the same game plan and try and repeat today’s round.”
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, the winner of a record five titles on the ASEAN PGA Tour, was in the hunt for much of the day but made back-to-back double bogey sixes on 13 and 14 to slip to a 74.
This year marks the first Borobudur Classic and the tournament has been set up to assist the local golf tourism industry.
Borobudur temple, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, plays a major role in tourism and is Indonesia’s single most visited tourist attraction.
Leading first round scores (Par-72):
(Indonesian unless stated)
65 - Supravee Phatam (THA)
68 - Pasamet Pogamnerd (THA)
71 -Pasavee Lertvilai (THA), Andik Mauluddin, Goh Kun Yang (SIN), Jo Seik
72 - Fajar Win Nuryanto, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA), Rinaldi Adiandono, Junaidi Ibrahim, Jordan Irawan, Tanatchan Puaktes (THA), Ade Sebul
74 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Andi Soeyatmo, Pijit Petchkasem (THA), Fahmi Rezai, Ak Wira (BRU), Tony Blacker (AUS)
Selected:
75 - Asnan, Indra Hermawan, Jamel Ondo, Kurnia Herishandy, Sumarno
76 - Sarmilih, S. Mahfudin
77 - Rudi Hartono, Ilyassak, Iwan Suwantono, Alwis Ramadhan, Tjia Eddy Susanto
78 - Asep Saefulloh, Sim Min Sub, Haryono Min, Supriyatna, Rachmadi Hamzah
79 - Zulharmen Tabusalla, Joko Setiabudi
80 - Adi Bramntio, Rudianto, Yonathan Christyawan
81 - Ismail Hamzah, Agus Sumartono, Sujai
82 - K. Soewarno, Sendy Susanto, Benny
85 - Warsito, Mahmud Dana
86 - Sujarwo, Johanes Rudianto
87 - Diyono DarmanDARMAN, Pudyo
88 - Zulkarnaen Tanjung
90 - Warno, Wahyudi Sucahyo
96 - Hendra Atmaja
Sunday, November 16, 2014
George Gandranata Ahead Of Rory Hie At Chiangmai Golf Classic
Chiangmai, Thailand, November 16 - Rashid Khan of India produced a gutsy performance to win his second Asian Tour title by one-shot at the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on Sunday.
Khan started the final round two shots behind overnight leader Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand before rallying on the back nine to defeat the Thai and countryman Jyoti Randhawa at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
The 23-year-old fired a four-under-par 68 highlighted by four birdies on holes nine, 10, 12 and 14 for a winning total of 17-under-par 271 at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.
Thanyakon three-putted for bogey on the 16th hole to slip out of contention. But a birdie on the last for a 71 earned him a tied second place finish alongside Randhawa, who settled for a 69 after missing a 20-foot birdie attempt on 18 which would have forced a play-off.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand took solo fourth following a 69 while Major champion Jason Dufner of the United States finished in tied seventh place after firing a 66 for his best score this week.
“This win is really special because it is my second win this year and first outside of India. I was looking at the leaderboard and everyone was making a move. But I had faith in my game so heading into the last few holes, I was very confident I could win the tournament,” smiled Khan, who won US$135,000.
He was three shots back after Thanyakon opened with a birdie but Khan showed true character on his homeward nine where he seized the lead for the first time following a birdie on 12.
He gained another shot on 14 but it was a crucial 15-foot par save on hole 15 which proved to be the turning point.
“I found the bunker on the 15th hole. I had a shot but it was a tight line. It was very important because I only had a one-shot lead going into the 18th hole. That par gave me a bit of boost because I needed to maintain my one-shot lead. The last three holes were very exciting!” he explained.
Khan reaped the benefits of working with his mental coach, Aparna Jain. “You can see the result from this week. She was asking me about my tournament and I told her that I had a chance to win. She just told me to stay patient and now I’m the winner.”
Thanyakon, a two-time Southeast Asian Games medalist gold medalist in the team golf event, was disappointed with his three-putt bogey on 16. He took consolation that his runner-up finish earned him a Tour card for the 2015 season as he moved to 29th position on the Order of Merit.
“I three-putted and it came at the wrong time. But overall I’m very proud with my performance. I was a bit nervous after the turn but a birdie on 13 made me feel relaxed. I fought hard out there but Rashid deserves this win,” said Thanyakon.
Randhawa, an eight-time Asian Tour winner, put pressure on his young countryman when he posted a pair of birdies from the 14th hole. He was disappointed to miss the birdie on 18 to force extra time.
“I played under pressure these last two days and I managed to get my swing right. These young guys look up to me and try to beat me but now I have to keep up with them! I’m looking forward to it and I’m glad that I’m there and a threat to them,” said the 42-year-old Randhawa.
From the two Indonesians in the field, George Gandranata (71) outplayed Rory Hie (72) by a single stroke. Goerge finished the tournament in a tie for 15th place at 7-under, while Rory had to settle for a tie for 25th at 6-under.
Scores after round 4 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic 2014 (Par 72):
271 – Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-69-66-68
272 – Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 68-65-70-69, Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 69-65-67-71
274 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 69-70-66-69
275 – Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-70-67-68, Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 71-69-64-71
277 – Jason DUFNER (USA) 69-69-73-66, Danny CHIA (MAS) 74-68-68-67, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 73-66-68-70, Scott BARR (AUS) 68-69-67-73
Selected:
281 – George GANDRANATA (INA) 66-72-72-71
282 - Rory HIE (INA) 70-70=70-72
Khan started the final round two shots behind overnight leader Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand before rallying on the back nine to defeat the Thai and countryman Jyoti Randhawa at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
The 23-year-old fired a four-under-par 68 highlighted by four birdies on holes nine, 10, 12 and 14 for a winning total of 17-under-par 271 at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.
Thanyakon three-putted for bogey on the 16th hole to slip out of contention. But a birdie on the last for a 71 earned him a tied second place finish alongside Randhawa, who settled for a 69 after missing a 20-foot birdie attempt on 18 which would have forced a play-off.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand took solo fourth following a 69 while Major champion Jason Dufner of the United States finished in tied seventh place after firing a 66 for his best score this week.
“This win is really special because it is my second win this year and first outside of India. I was looking at the leaderboard and everyone was making a move. But I had faith in my game so heading into the last few holes, I was very confident I could win the tournament,” smiled Khan, who won US$135,000.
He was three shots back after Thanyakon opened with a birdie but Khan showed true character on his homeward nine where he seized the lead for the first time following a birdie on 12.
He gained another shot on 14 but it was a crucial 15-foot par save on hole 15 which proved to be the turning point.
“I found the bunker on the 15th hole. I had a shot but it was a tight line. It was very important because I only had a one-shot lead going into the 18th hole. That par gave me a bit of boost because I needed to maintain my one-shot lead. The last three holes were very exciting!” he explained.
Khan reaped the benefits of working with his mental coach, Aparna Jain. “You can see the result from this week. She was asking me about my tournament and I told her that I had a chance to win. She just told me to stay patient and now I’m the winner.”
Thanyakon, a two-time Southeast Asian Games medalist gold medalist in the team golf event, was disappointed with his three-putt bogey on 16. He took consolation that his runner-up finish earned him a Tour card for the 2015 season as he moved to 29th position on the Order of Merit.
“I three-putted and it came at the wrong time. But overall I’m very proud with my performance. I was a bit nervous after the turn but a birdie on 13 made me feel relaxed. I fought hard out there but Rashid deserves this win,” said Thanyakon.
Randhawa, an eight-time Asian Tour winner, put pressure on his young countryman when he posted a pair of birdies from the 14th hole. He was disappointed to miss the birdie on 18 to force extra time.
“I played under pressure these last two days and I managed to get my swing right. These young guys look up to me and try to beat me but now I have to keep up with them! I’m looking forward to it and I’m glad that I’m there and a threat to them,” said the 42-year-old Randhawa.
From the two Indonesians in the field, George Gandranata (71) outplayed Rory Hie (72) by a single stroke. Goerge finished the tournament in a tie for 15th place at 7-under, while Rory had to settle for a tie for 25th at 6-under.
Scores after round 4 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic 2014 (Par 72):
271 – Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-69-66-68
272 – Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 68-65-70-69, Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 69-65-67-71
274 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 69-70-66-69
275 – Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-70-67-68, Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 71-69-64-71
277 – Jason DUFNER (USA) 69-69-73-66, Danny CHIA (MAS) 74-68-68-67, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 73-66-68-70, Scott BARR (AUS) 68-69-67-73
Selected:
281 – George GANDRANATA (INA) 66-72-72-71
282 - Rory HIE (INA) 70-70=70-72
George Gandranata And Rory Hie Go Head To Head At Chiangmai Golf Classic
Chiangmai, Thailand, November 15 - Thanyakon Khrongpha stayed on track to win a first Asian Tour title after firing a five-under-par 67 in the third round of the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on Saturday.
The Thai tapped-in for birdie on the last hole for a 15-under-par 201 total which was two shots better than Indian duo Rashid Khan, who produced a superb 66, and overnight leader Jyoti Randhawa, whose 70 kept him in contention to win his ninth Asian Tour title.
Australian rookie Kalem Richardson fired the low round 64 to tie for fourth place with countryman Scott Barr on 204 at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event staged at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai
.
Reigning Order of Merit champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand placed himself in the title mix following a bogey-free 66 while Major champion Jason Dufner of the United States slipped to tied 24th following a 73.
“I’m feeling a little nervous but I think there is more excitement than pressure. It has been quite some time since I led in an Asian Tour event,” smiled Thanyakon, who won the gold medal in the team event at the 2007 and 2009 South East Asian Games.
A three-time winner on the local circuit last year, the 24-year-old Thanyakon was cruising on three-under before dropping two bogeys on 11 and 12. He bounced back immediately with three straight birdies from the 13th hole before narrowly missing an eagle putt on 18.
“I felt a little angry with myself after I bogeyed 11th and 12th. I could have avoided it but I told myself to get over it and I’m glad I was able to recover strong. Overall, today’s result was much better than I expected,” said the Thai.
Khan, who won his first Asian Tour title on home soil in March, birdied the last two holes to stay in the title mix. He reaped the rewards of working with a mental coach, saying it has helped him stay patient on the course.
“I’m excited but I’ll need to keep doing what I’ve been doing. I was struggling with my irons and gave myself long putts which was a bit frustrating. I kept myself patient and I’m trying not to lose my temper on the course. I’ve talked about this with my mental coach and I’m starting to see the results,” said the 23-year-old Khan.
Randhawa was rattled by an opening bogey and had to dig deep to keep himself in the title race. At the age of 42, the former Asian Tour number one and eight-time winner hopes to put his experience to good use.
“The young boys these days are good and experienced enough to play under pressure. It’s a young man’s game now. But experience does matter. Hopefully my experience will count but it is tough to chase young people because they have the energy to go for it,” said Randhawa.
Home favorite Kiradech rolled in six birdies for his best round this week to continue his chase for a first victory in 2014.
“I didn’t roll the ball well as I wanted to on the greens but I’m focused on chasing the leader. I hope to get some early birdies tomorrow to put some pressure on the leader. I cannot make any mistakes if I want to win,” said Kiradech, a two-time Asian Tour winner.
Rory Hie from Indonesia managed to go around in a third consecutive round of 70, while compatriot George Gandranata had a second in even par. They are both now in 15th place with 210, 9 shots of the lead and 3 shots away from a top ten position.
Scores after round 3 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic 2014 (par 72):
201 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 69-65-67
203 – Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-69-66, Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 68-65-70
204 – Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 71-69-64, Scott BARR (AUS) 68-69-67
205 – HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 71-68-66, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 69-70-66
207 – Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 70-71-66, Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-70-67, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 73-66-68
Selected:
210 – Rory HIE (INA) 70-70-70, George GANDRANATA (INA) 66-72-72
The Thai tapped-in for birdie on the last hole for a 15-under-par 201 total which was two shots better than Indian duo Rashid Khan, who produced a superb 66, and overnight leader Jyoti Randhawa, whose 70 kept him in contention to win his ninth Asian Tour title.
Australian rookie Kalem Richardson fired the low round 64 to tie for fourth place with countryman Scott Barr on 204 at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event staged at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai
.
Reigning Order of Merit champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand placed himself in the title mix following a bogey-free 66 while Major champion Jason Dufner of the United States slipped to tied 24th following a 73.
“I’m feeling a little nervous but I think there is more excitement than pressure. It has been quite some time since I led in an Asian Tour event,” smiled Thanyakon, who won the gold medal in the team event at the 2007 and 2009 South East Asian Games.
A three-time winner on the local circuit last year, the 24-year-old Thanyakon was cruising on three-under before dropping two bogeys on 11 and 12. He bounced back immediately with three straight birdies from the 13th hole before narrowly missing an eagle putt on 18.
“I felt a little angry with myself after I bogeyed 11th and 12th. I could have avoided it but I told myself to get over it and I’m glad I was able to recover strong. Overall, today’s result was much better than I expected,” said the Thai.
Khan, who won his first Asian Tour title on home soil in March, birdied the last two holes to stay in the title mix. He reaped the rewards of working with a mental coach, saying it has helped him stay patient on the course.
“I’m excited but I’ll need to keep doing what I’ve been doing. I was struggling with my irons and gave myself long putts which was a bit frustrating. I kept myself patient and I’m trying not to lose my temper on the course. I’ve talked about this with my mental coach and I’m starting to see the results,” said the 23-year-old Khan.
Randhawa was rattled by an opening bogey and had to dig deep to keep himself in the title race. At the age of 42, the former Asian Tour number one and eight-time winner hopes to put his experience to good use.
“The young boys these days are good and experienced enough to play under pressure. It’s a young man’s game now. But experience does matter. Hopefully my experience will count but it is tough to chase young people because they have the energy to go for it,” said Randhawa.
Home favorite Kiradech rolled in six birdies for his best round this week to continue his chase for a first victory in 2014.
“I didn’t roll the ball well as I wanted to on the greens but I’m focused on chasing the leader. I hope to get some early birdies tomorrow to put some pressure on the leader. I cannot make any mistakes if I want to win,” said Kiradech, a two-time Asian Tour winner.
Rory Hie from Indonesia managed to go around in a third consecutive round of 70, while compatriot George Gandranata had a second in even par. They are both now in 15th place with 210, 9 shots of the lead and 3 shots away from a top ten position.
Scores after round 3 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic 2014 (par 72):
201 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 69-65-67
203 – Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-69-66, Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 68-65-70
204 – Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 71-69-64, Scott BARR (AUS) 68-69-67
205 – HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 71-68-66, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 69-70-66
207 – Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 70-71-66, Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-70-67, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 73-66-68
Selected:
210 – Rory HIE (INA) 70-70-70, George GANDRANATA (INA) 66-72-72
Saturday, November 15, 2014
George Gandranata Aims For Glory At Bank BRI Indonesia Open
Jakarta, November 14 - Indonesia’s rising star George Gandranata hopes to shine at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open against the Asian Tour’s best in December.
As the highest ranked player in Indonesia, finishing strongly at this year’s BANK BRI Indonesia Open, scheduled for December 4 to 7 at Jakarta’s Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course, will be a great way to wrap up a successful season.
After sharpening his game on the Asian Tour and the Asian Development Tour (ADT), the 28-year-old, who won four titles on the local circuit, is relishing the opportunity to tee it up in his National Open.
“I am ready to take on our national championship which is the biggest event for local players,” said Gandranata. “As Indonesian golfers, we all hope to give our best performance on home soil. There is been only one Indonesian champion, Benny Kasiadi in 1989. It would be a huge honor to win, adding my name to the list as the second Indonesian to claim victory.”
The talented Indonesian takes a humble view of his recent wins but credits his huge improvement after contesting regularly against Asia’s best and talented golfers on the Asian Tour and ADT.
“The experience I have gained from getting into contention in both ADT events and Asian Tour tournaments has been invaluable”, Gandranata added. “I have learned something different from every player I played with making me to a better player.”
Gandranata has been working with his coach Philippe De Busschere of the LeadBetter Golf Academy in Indonesia since October last year. De Busschere encouraged Gandranata to make adjustments in his body movement and weight transfer, delivering instant improvement in his game.
“It’s still a work in progress, but I have seen improvements in hitting the ball more solidly and driving further in distance,” Gandranata commented.
In addition, Gandranata also experimented with changing tactics from his usual aggressive approach to more conservative play. This paid immediate dividends as he emerged as the sole Indonesian to make the cut at the Indonesian Masters in April, the first time he played during the weekend in three attempts.
When asked his view on the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course, host venue of the BANK BRI Indonesia Open, Gandranata responded with confidence: “It’s a challenging course, especially when it’s windy which can be often. But I like it because it plays tough for everyone. I will also have a caddy who knows the course well giving me a fresh pair of eyes for the green.”
Mr. Murdaya Widyawimarta (Po), President of Persatuan Golf Indonesia, the national golf association of Indonesia and organizer of the BANK BRI Indonesia Open, welcomed the confirmation of Gandranata, “George is not only a rising star on the golf course, he is also fast becoming a role model for Indonesian golfers of all ages. We are very proud of him and wish him the best of luck in competing in a whole new level as he has grown in experience and skill in the past year.”
As the highest ranked player in Indonesia, finishing strongly at this year’s BANK BRI Indonesia Open, scheduled for December 4 to 7 at Jakarta’s Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course, will be a great way to wrap up a successful season.
After sharpening his game on the Asian Tour and the Asian Development Tour (ADT), the 28-year-old, who won four titles on the local circuit, is relishing the opportunity to tee it up in his National Open.
“I am ready to take on our national championship which is the biggest event for local players,” said Gandranata. “As Indonesian golfers, we all hope to give our best performance on home soil. There is been only one Indonesian champion, Benny Kasiadi in 1989. It would be a huge honor to win, adding my name to the list as the second Indonesian to claim victory.”
The talented Indonesian takes a humble view of his recent wins but credits his huge improvement after contesting regularly against Asia’s best and talented golfers on the Asian Tour and ADT.
“The experience I have gained from getting into contention in both ADT events and Asian Tour tournaments has been invaluable”, Gandranata added. “I have learned something different from every player I played with making me to a better player.”
Gandranata has been working with his coach Philippe De Busschere of the LeadBetter Golf Academy in Indonesia since October last year. De Busschere encouraged Gandranata to make adjustments in his body movement and weight transfer, delivering instant improvement in his game.
“It’s still a work in progress, but I have seen improvements in hitting the ball more solidly and driving further in distance,” Gandranata commented.
In addition, Gandranata also experimented with changing tactics from his usual aggressive approach to more conservative play. This paid immediate dividends as he emerged as the sole Indonesian to make the cut at the Indonesian Masters in April, the first time he played during the weekend in three attempts.
When asked his view on the Damai Indah Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk Course, host venue of the BANK BRI Indonesia Open, Gandranata responded with confidence: “It’s a challenging course, especially when it’s windy which can be often. But I like it because it plays tough for everyone. I will also have a caddy who knows the course well giving me a fresh pair of eyes for the green.”
Mr. Murdaya Widyawimarta (Po), President of Persatuan Golf Indonesia, the national golf association of Indonesia and organizer of the BANK BRI Indonesia Open, welcomed the confirmation of Gandranata, “George is not only a rising star on the golf course, he is also fast becoming a role model for Indonesian golfers of all ages. We are very proud of him and wish him the best of luck in competing in a whole new level as he has grown in experience and skill in the past year.”
Friday, November 14, 2014
Victoria Chandra Signed To University Of Kansas Women's Golf Team
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Coming off a solid fall that had two runner-up and five top-five finishes, Kansas women's golf coach Erin O'Neil continued her momentum by signing what she believes could be her best class with Ariadna Fonesca, Victoria Chandra and Laine Evans inking National Letters of Intent to play at KU.
"As a group, they are very talented, love golf and are all-around good people," said O'Neil, who is in her 11th season at Kansas. "It's probably the strongest recruiting class we have had from top to bottom."
Chandra, from Bali, tied for 22nd at the 2014 Callaway Junior World Golf Championships, July 15-18, at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California, shooting a 294 (+5), which included a 1-under 71 in her second round. The previous week she tied for 18th at the Future Champions Golf (FCG) International Championship at Willow Glen in San Diego, California, with a three-round 227 (+12). In January 2014, she won the Faldo Series Indonesia Girls U-21 Division at Damai Indah's BSD Course in Indonesia.
In 2013 she finished eighth at the Thailand Amateur Open carding two rounds under par and was runner-up at the Optimist International Junior Championships at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Also in 2013, Chandra competed in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Naypyidaw, Burma, finishing 11th and placed 12th at the True Vision International Junior Golf Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.
"We found Victoria by looking for the top golfers in the world, using the World Amateur Golf Rankings," O'Neil said. "She played in a tournament in San Diego this summer and we were able to go watch her there. She's a strong-ball striker and has a tremendous amount of potential. She also has a lot of international experience which will help her be competitive at the collegiate level."
"As a group, they are very talented, love golf and are all-around good people," said O'Neil, who is in her 11th season at Kansas. "It's probably the strongest recruiting class we have had from top to bottom."
In 2013 she finished eighth at the Thailand Amateur Open carding two rounds under par and was runner-up at the Optimist International Junior Championships at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Also in 2013, Chandra competed in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Naypyidaw, Burma, finishing 11th and placed 12th at the True Vision International Junior Golf Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.
"We found Victoria by looking for the top golfers in the world, using the World Amateur Golf Rankings," O'Neil said. "She played in a tournament in San Diego this summer and we were able to go watch her there. She's a strong-ball striker and has a tremendous amount of potential. She also has a lot of international experience which will help her be competitive at the collegiate level."
George Gandranata Keeps Podium In Sight At Chiangmai Golf Classic
Chiangmai, Thailand, November 14 - Jyoti Randhawa of India charged into contention with a flawless seven-under-par 65 to seize a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the US$750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on Friday.
The 2002 Asian Tour number one birdied the last two holes from close range for an 11-under-par 133 total, which was one shot ahead of local talent Thanyakon Khrongpha, who matched Randhawa’s 65 after rolling in a 15-foot eagle on the last hole.
Scott Barr of Australia and Rashid Khan of India signed for matching 69s to share third place on 137 while Major champion Jason Dufner fired a 69 to trail the leader by five shots at the picturesque Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.
He's tied with Korean Mo Joong-kyung (69) and first round leader George Gandranata of Indonesia, who had to concede a few places after carding an even par.
Meanwhile Rory Hie was able to climb a few places on the leaderboard with a second round 70, which puts him at 7 shots from the lead.
“I played too good. This is the best I’ve played in a long, long time. I fired on all cylinders today. My driving, second shots and putting were good. I only had one missed putt and the rest were a great round of golf,” said the 42-year-old Randhawa.
A well-rested Randhawa, an eight-time Asian Tour winner but not since winning the 2009 Thailand Open, was excited to be in contention after taking a two-week break to recover from a ‘tennis elbow’.
“I’m more focused now and what I’ve been training in the year and a half is now falling into place. I got a tennis elbow and I rested it for two weeks. The rest has helped. Golf is a funny game and anything can happen. I’m just happy that I’m there for the fight,” said Randhawa.
The lanky 24-year-old Thanyakon, who is aiming for a first Asian Tour win, said his round of six birdies and one eagle ‘exceeded his expectations’.
“I used to feel discouraged when I don’t play well but now my mental game is much stronger. My round exceeded my expectations. I had expected to hit about 10 fairways but I hit 14 instead which really helps because of the thick rough this week,” said Thanyakon.
Australia’s Barr made a small change in his swing earlier in the week to accommodate a minor hip injury to give himself a fighting to win a first Asian Tour title.
“My hip gets a bit tired. It gets very stiff and the way I was swinging put a lot of pressure on my right hip. The pain comes and goes so I made a change earlier in the week and it is starting to help. This is how I want to swing in the future,” said Barr.
Playing in his fourth straight week after recovering from a neck injury, Dufner, the 2013 PGA Championship winner, was one-over after four holes but bounced back brilliantly with two birdies in each half.
“I struggled with my putter a little bit because of a combination of bad speed. When you can’t judge the speed, you kind of second guess on the greens. A low score is out there if you can keep the ball on the fairways,” said Dufner, who is making his debut in Thailand this week.
The halfway cut was set at one-over-par 145 with a total of 71 players qualifying for the weekend rounds. Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, the 2011 Masters Tournament winner, Thaworn Wiratchant and Prom Meesawat survived the cut right on the bubble.
Scores after round 2 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic 2014 (Par 72):
133 – Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 68-65
134 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 69-65
137 – Scott BARR (AUS) 68-69, Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-69
138 – Jason DUFNER (USA) 69-69, MO Joong-kyung (KOR) 69-69, George GANDRANATA (INA) 66-72
139 – Bryce EASTON (RSA) 68-71, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 69-70, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 73-66, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 67-72, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 71-68, Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 70-69.
Selected:
140 – Rory HIE (INA) 70-70.
The 2002 Asian Tour number one birdied the last two holes from close range for an 11-under-par 133 total, which was one shot ahead of local talent Thanyakon Khrongpha, who matched Randhawa’s 65 after rolling in a 15-foot eagle on the last hole.
Scott Barr of Australia and Rashid Khan of India signed for matching 69s to share third place on 137 while Major champion Jason Dufner fired a 69 to trail the leader by five shots at the picturesque Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.
He's tied with Korean Mo Joong-kyung (69) and first round leader George Gandranata of Indonesia, who had to concede a few places after carding an even par.
Meanwhile Rory Hie was able to climb a few places on the leaderboard with a second round 70, which puts him at 7 shots from the lead.
“I played too good. This is the best I’ve played in a long, long time. I fired on all cylinders today. My driving, second shots and putting were good. I only had one missed putt and the rest were a great round of golf,” said the 42-year-old Randhawa.
A well-rested Randhawa, an eight-time Asian Tour winner but not since winning the 2009 Thailand Open, was excited to be in contention after taking a two-week break to recover from a ‘tennis elbow’.
“I’m more focused now and what I’ve been training in the year and a half is now falling into place. I got a tennis elbow and I rested it for two weeks. The rest has helped. Golf is a funny game and anything can happen. I’m just happy that I’m there for the fight,” said Randhawa.
The lanky 24-year-old Thanyakon, who is aiming for a first Asian Tour win, said his round of six birdies and one eagle ‘exceeded his expectations’.
“I used to feel discouraged when I don’t play well but now my mental game is much stronger. My round exceeded my expectations. I had expected to hit about 10 fairways but I hit 14 instead which really helps because of the thick rough this week,” said Thanyakon.
Australia’s Barr made a small change in his swing earlier in the week to accommodate a minor hip injury to give himself a fighting to win a first Asian Tour title.
“My hip gets a bit tired. It gets very stiff and the way I was swinging put a lot of pressure on my right hip. The pain comes and goes so I made a change earlier in the week and it is starting to help. This is how I want to swing in the future,” said Barr.
Playing in his fourth straight week after recovering from a neck injury, Dufner, the 2013 PGA Championship winner, was one-over after four holes but bounced back brilliantly with two birdies in each half.
“I struggled with my putter a little bit because of a combination of bad speed. When you can’t judge the speed, you kind of second guess on the greens. A low score is out there if you can keep the ball on the fairways,” said Dufner, who is making his debut in Thailand this week.
The halfway cut was set at one-over-par 145 with a total of 71 players qualifying for the weekend rounds. Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, the 2011 Masters Tournament winner, Thaworn Wiratchant and Prom Meesawat survived the cut right on the bubble.
Scores after round 2 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic 2014 (Par 72):
133 – Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 68-65
134 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 69-65
137 – Scott BARR (AUS) 68-69, Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-69
138 – Jason DUFNER (USA) 69-69, MO Joong-kyung (KOR) 69-69, George GANDRANATA (INA) 66-72
139 – Bryce EASTON (RSA) 68-71, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 69-70, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 73-66, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 67-72, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 71-68, Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 70-69.
Selected:
140 – Rory HIE (INA) 70-70.
George Gandranata Shares Early Lead At Chiangmai Golf Classic
Chiangmai, Thailand, November 13 - Indonesia’s George Gandranata and Sattaya Supupramai of Thailand eclipsed the Major champions at the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT after grabbing the opening round lead on six-under-par 66 on Thursday.
Gandranata and Sattaya emerged as the surprise front-runners amongst a host of stars including Jason Dufner of the United States, who was three shots off the pace at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
Singapore’s Mardan Mamat sank a huge 30-footer birdie on the last hole for a 67 to take solo third at the beautiful Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.
Rashid Khan, Jyoti Randhawa of India, Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei and EurAsia Cup star Nicholas Fung of Malaysia were amongst seven players tied for fourth on 68. Title holder Scott Hend birdied the last hole to finish on 72 while 2011 Masters Tournament winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa had a day to forget when he stumbled to a 77.
Sattaya brilliantly rolled in seven birdies including an easy five-foot birdie on 17 which he set-up following a superb chip from 90 yards. He is brimming with confidence after winning on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), which is the secondary circuit of the Asian Tour, last week.
“I’m playing with a lot of confidence. Playing on the ADT has helped with my confidence. We have a strong field here this week but I’m only focused on every shot and not the players who are here this week,” said the 30-year-old Sattaya.
Gandranata, also a regular on the ADT, tied for the lead after closing with a pair of birdies to enjoy a flying start in the event. He has never led in an Asian Tour tournament before.
“I’m happy to be in the lead for the first time in an Asian Tour event but there is still a long way to go. I feel like I haven’t done anything yet. There are still three more rounds to go. I have to focus on every shot and see how it goes,” said Gandranata, who won four titles on the local circuit this year.
Playing without any expectations this week, Mardan was delighted to rediscover some of his best form after a poor season where he currently sits in 87th position on the Order of Merit.
“There are a lot of thoughts in my mind. After last week, I told myself to stop thinking about saving my Asian Tour card and just play my own game and enjoy myself. I want to concentrate and do what I’m supposed to do. I just want to get better and play without expectations,” said the 47-year-old Mardan.
The 2013 PGA Championship winner Dufner bounced back from an inward 36 with three birdies in his closing five holes to stay within striking distance of the leaders.
“My front nine was a little slow to start but I played better on the back. It was pretty good all day. I’m glad to finish under-par. The rough is pretty thick so it’s definitely premium if you can get on the fairways. You can be a little bit more aggressive when you’re on the fairways as well.
“There haven’t been too much adaptations for me playing in Asia these four weeks. It’s actually quite similar to what we see in South Florida. The playing conditions are pretty similar and the golf courses were also in great shapes. It has been a good run for me,” said Dufner.
Rory Hie, who tied with countryman George Gandranata last week at the Panasonic Open India, came in at 2-under and is currently in a 15-way tie for 19th place within 4 shots from the lead.
Scores after round 1 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic 2014 (Par 72):
66 – George GANDRANATA (INA), Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA)
67 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN)
68 – Rashid KHAN (IND), LU Wei-chih (TPE), Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND), Nicholas FUNG (MAS), Scott BARR (AUS), Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA), Bryce EASTON (RSA)
Selected:
70 – Rory HIE (INA)
Gandranata and Sattaya emerged as the surprise front-runners amongst a host of stars including Jason Dufner of the United States, who was three shots off the pace at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
Singapore’s Mardan Mamat sank a huge 30-footer birdie on the last hole for a 67 to take solo third at the beautiful Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.
Rashid Khan, Jyoti Randhawa of India, Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei and EurAsia Cup star Nicholas Fung of Malaysia were amongst seven players tied for fourth on 68. Title holder Scott Hend birdied the last hole to finish on 72 while 2011 Masters Tournament winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa had a day to forget when he stumbled to a 77.
Sattaya brilliantly rolled in seven birdies including an easy five-foot birdie on 17 which he set-up following a superb chip from 90 yards. He is brimming with confidence after winning on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), which is the secondary circuit of the Asian Tour, last week.
“I’m playing with a lot of confidence. Playing on the ADT has helped with my confidence. We have a strong field here this week but I’m only focused on every shot and not the players who are here this week,” said the 30-year-old Sattaya.
Gandranata, also a regular on the ADT, tied for the lead after closing with a pair of birdies to enjoy a flying start in the event. He has never led in an Asian Tour tournament before.
“I’m happy to be in the lead for the first time in an Asian Tour event but there is still a long way to go. I feel like I haven’t done anything yet. There are still three more rounds to go. I have to focus on every shot and see how it goes,” said Gandranata, who won four titles on the local circuit this year.
Playing without any expectations this week, Mardan was delighted to rediscover some of his best form after a poor season where he currently sits in 87th position on the Order of Merit.
“There are a lot of thoughts in my mind. After last week, I told myself to stop thinking about saving my Asian Tour card and just play my own game and enjoy myself. I want to concentrate and do what I’m supposed to do. I just want to get better and play without expectations,” said the 47-year-old Mardan.
The 2013 PGA Championship winner Dufner bounced back from an inward 36 with three birdies in his closing five holes to stay within striking distance of the leaders.
“My front nine was a little slow to start but I played better on the back. It was pretty good all day. I’m glad to finish under-par. The rough is pretty thick so it’s definitely premium if you can get on the fairways. You can be a little bit more aggressive when you’re on the fairways as well.
“There haven’t been too much adaptations for me playing in Asia these four weeks. It’s actually quite similar to what we see in South Florida. The playing conditions are pretty similar and the golf courses were also in great shapes. It has been a good run for me,” said Dufner.
Rory Hie, who tied with countryman George Gandranata last week at the Panasonic Open India, came in at 2-under and is currently in a 15-way tie for 19th place within 4 shots from the lead.
Scores after round 1 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic 2014 (Par 72):
66 – George GANDRANATA (INA), Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA)
67 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN)
68 – Rashid KHAN (IND), LU Wei-chih (TPE), Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND), Nicholas FUNG (MAS), Scott BARR (AUS), Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA), Bryce EASTON (RSA)
Selected:
70 – Rory HIE (INA)
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Rory Hie And George Gandranata Tie At Panasonic Open India
Delhi, November 9 - S.S.P. Chowrasia clinched his third Asian Tour title at the Panasonic Open India after defeating Rahil Gangjee of India and Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera on the first extra hole on Sunday.
The popular Indian coolly rolled in a 15-footer birdie in extra time to cap a sensational comeback as he was five shots off the lead at the start of the day at the US$300,000 event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
With his trademark short game in full display at the Delhi Golf Club, Chowrasia returned with the day’s low score of six-under-par 66 highlighted by eight birdies to finish on 12-under-par 276.
“I worked very hard for this win because I wanted to boost my confidence. It is three years since I last won and I will take a lot of positives from the win,” said the 36-year-old Chowrasia, who won his first Asian Tour title at the 2008 Indian Masters on the same venue.
“I’ve lost in two play-offs before but it never crossed my mind. I was focussed on making the birdie putt in the play-off. I always had the belief that I could win on the Asian Tour again and I did,” he smiled.
After turning in 35, Chowrasia fired five birdies that included three in a row from the 15th hole which was the turning point in the thrilling final round which saw the lead exchange hands on numerous occasions.
“At the start of the day, I was thinking that if I could shoot a four or five-under, I will have a chance to win. I was confident I could catch the leader. I played very well on the back nine and the hat-trick of birdies proved to be the turning point,” Chowrasia explained.
Gangjee battled tooth-and-nail after a poor front nine 37 but was in contention again following an eagle on 14. After dropping a shot on 16, he held his cool to birdie the last for a 71 to join the play-off.
The dejected Indian rued the missed opportunity to win his second Asian Tour title after leading for three days.
“I knew the momentum would swing through the final day and I told myself to play normally and not to worry too much about the leaderboard. I missed out on a couple of chances towards the end and that just took the game away from me. It was a tough contest in the end with lot of contenders but S.S.P. played the best golf to come through,” said Gangjee.
Playing in his first ever play-off on the Asian Tour, Perera missed out on the chance to become the first Sri Lankan champion on the Asian Tour after narrowly missing a 10-footer birdie putt in extra time. He ended the day with a 70 highlighted by two opening birdies.
“Everybody had a chance to win today. I did good but Chowrasia but played better than all of us. I’m happy with my finish. I’m so excited to be in the play-off. Now I believe I can do something on the Asian Tour. I will try and get one trophy this year,” said the bubbly 27-year-old.
Rory Hie (76) and George Gandranata (73) both ended the tournament at 3 over par, good for a 7-way tie for 34th place for the Indonesian pair. Meanwhile Rinaldi Adiyandono recovered from his very poor 3rd round with a final round 74, not enough too lift him from the bottom spot on the leaderboard, but surely a confidence booster going forward.
Scores after round 4 of the Panasonic Open India 2014 being played at the par 72, 6983 Yards Delhi GC course:
276 – S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND) 70-71-69-66, Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-67-69-70, Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 66-68-71-71
277 – Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 73-65-68-71
278 – Akinori TANI (JPN) 71-72-67-68, Unho PARK (AUS) 69-71-68-70, Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN) 70-67-69-72
279 – Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 69-70-71-69, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 70-68-69-72
280 – Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-70-71-71
Selected:
291 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 71-72-75-73, Rory HIE (INA) 74-70-71-76
305 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 76-73-82-74
The popular Indian coolly rolled in a 15-footer birdie in extra time to cap a sensational comeback as he was five shots off the lead at the start of the day at the US$300,000 event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
With his trademark short game in full display at the Delhi Golf Club, Chowrasia returned with the day’s low score of six-under-par 66 highlighted by eight birdies to finish on 12-under-par 276.
“I worked very hard for this win because I wanted to boost my confidence. It is three years since I last won and I will take a lot of positives from the win,” said the 36-year-old Chowrasia, who won his first Asian Tour title at the 2008 Indian Masters on the same venue.
“I’ve lost in two play-offs before but it never crossed my mind. I was focussed on making the birdie putt in the play-off. I always had the belief that I could win on the Asian Tour again and I did,” he smiled.
After turning in 35, Chowrasia fired five birdies that included three in a row from the 15th hole which was the turning point in the thrilling final round which saw the lead exchange hands on numerous occasions.
“At the start of the day, I was thinking that if I could shoot a four or five-under, I will have a chance to win. I was confident I could catch the leader. I played very well on the back nine and the hat-trick of birdies proved to be the turning point,” Chowrasia explained.
Gangjee battled tooth-and-nail after a poor front nine 37 but was in contention again following an eagle on 14. After dropping a shot on 16, he held his cool to birdie the last for a 71 to join the play-off.
The dejected Indian rued the missed opportunity to win his second Asian Tour title after leading for three days.
“I knew the momentum would swing through the final day and I told myself to play normally and not to worry too much about the leaderboard. I missed out on a couple of chances towards the end and that just took the game away from me. It was a tough contest in the end with lot of contenders but S.S.P. played the best golf to come through,” said Gangjee.
Playing in his first ever play-off on the Asian Tour, Perera missed out on the chance to become the first Sri Lankan champion on the Asian Tour after narrowly missing a 10-footer birdie putt in extra time. He ended the day with a 70 highlighted by two opening birdies.
“Everybody had a chance to win today. I did good but Chowrasia but played better than all of us. I’m happy with my finish. I’m so excited to be in the play-off. Now I believe I can do something on the Asian Tour. I will try and get one trophy this year,” said the bubbly 27-year-old.
Rory Hie (76) and George Gandranata (73) both ended the tournament at 3 over par, good for a 7-way tie for 34th place for the Indonesian pair. Meanwhile Rinaldi Adiyandono recovered from his very poor 3rd round with a final round 74, not enough too lift him from the bottom spot on the leaderboard, but surely a confidence booster going forward.
Scores after round 4 of the Panasonic Open India 2014 being played at the par 72, 6983 Yards Delhi GC course:
276 – S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND) 70-71-69-66, Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-67-69-70, Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 66-68-71-71
277 – Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 73-65-68-71
278 – Akinori TANI (JPN) 71-72-67-68, Unho PARK (AUS) 69-71-68-70, Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN) 70-67-69-72
279 – Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 69-70-71-69, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 70-68-69-72
280 – Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-70-71-71
Selected:
291 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 71-72-75-73, Rory HIE (INA) 74-70-71-76
305 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 76-73-82-74
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Tirto Tamardi Just Misses Out On Top Ten Finish At PGM UMW Impian Championship
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 8 - Thailand’s Sattaya Supupramai carded a third consecutive five-under-par 67 to clinch his third Asian Development Tour (ADT) victory at the weather-disrupted PGM UMW Impian Championship on Saturday.
The RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) ADT event, which was affected by several suspensions due to inclement weather throughout the week, had earlier been reduced to 54-holes by tournament officials. The third and final round, scheduled to resume at 9.30am local time, was delayed by two-hours on Saturday morning due to persistent rain.
Sattaya compiled a three-day total of 15-under-par 201 to win by two shots over Ben Leong of Malaysia, who signed for a 67, at the Impian Golf and Country Club.
Malaysia’s Airil Rizman settled for third place on 205 following a 67 while Arie Irawan, also of Malaysia, recorded the day’s lowest score of 66 to share fourth place with American Casey O’Toole (68) and Thailand’s Annop Tangkamolprasert (69) on 207.
Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang, placed second on the Order of Merit, failed to topple Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert on the top of the merit rankings as he closed with a 69 to share seventh place with local veteran R. Nachimuthu on 208.
Pavit, who signed for a closing 70 to finish tied-29th, remained on top of the money list where he now leads by a mere US$252.
Indonesian amateur Tirto Tamardi was close to a top ten finish, missing out by a single shot. A final round 68 got him to a total of 210 strokes and a share of 12th place for the tournament, a fantastic result for the 15-year old junior golfer.
Sattaya took home a winner’s prize purse of US$10,635 and six Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points following his victory.
“I am very happy because this win will secure my place in top-five on the merit rankings now. The conditions have been tough, especially having to stop and restart our rounds so many times. Having a strong mindset is really important in situations like this. I told myself to stay patient and focused out there. I’m glad it worked out well for me,” said the 30-year-old Thai.
Sattaya had notched a top-10 finish at the Asian Tour’s Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters earlier in September, two weeks after claiming his second ADT victory in Malaysia.
“That top-10 finish on the Asian Tour gave me a lot of confidence. It shows that I am able to compete against the top players in the region. I’m looking forward to playing on the Asian Tour in the next couple of weeks,” added Sattaya, who mixed his card with six birdies against a lone bogey.
Leong, a one-time winner on the Asian Tour, capped a flawless back nine highlighted by two birdies and one eagle to mark his best finish on the ADT this season.
“It has been a good week for me. I couldn’t expect more. I’m actually surprised with my score. It’s been good since returning to competitive golf, having secured one win on the domestic Tour and a second-placed finish this week.
“I’ll be playing a couple more events on the local Tour before heading to the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School early next year. Hopefully I can keep up my momentum,” said the 28-year-old Malaysian, who sat out the entire 2013 season due to a back injury.
Since its inauguration in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 21 tournaments in 2014. The top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for 2015.
All ADT events also receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points which is a boost for the game in the region.
Leading third round scores:
201 – Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-67-67
203 – Ben LEONG (MAS) 67-69-67
205 – Airil Rizman ZAHARI (MAS) 69-69-67
207 – Arie IRAWAN (MAS) 72-69-66, Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 68-71-68, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 68-70-69
208 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 71-68-69, R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 70-66-72
209 – Danny CHIA (MAS) 75-67-67, Michael MOORE (AUS) 71-70-68, Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 68-69-72
Selected:
210 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA) 74-68-68
The RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) ADT event, which was affected by several suspensions due to inclement weather throughout the week, had earlier been reduced to 54-holes by tournament officials. The third and final round, scheduled to resume at 9.30am local time, was delayed by two-hours on Saturday morning due to persistent rain.
Sattaya compiled a three-day total of 15-under-par 201 to win by two shots over Ben Leong of Malaysia, who signed for a 67, at the Impian Golf and Country Club.
Malaysia’s Airil Rizman settled for third place on 205 following a 67 while Arie Irawan, also of Malaysia, recorded the day’s lowest score of 66 to share fourth place with American Casey O’Toole (68) and Thailand’s Annop Tangkamolprasert (69) on 207.
Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang, placed second on the Order of Merit, failed to topple Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert on the top of the merit rankings as he closed with a 69 to share seventh place with local veteran R. Nachimuthu on 208.
Pavit, who signed for a closing 70 to finish tied-29th, remained on top of the money list where he now leads by a mere US$252.
Indonesian amateur Tirto Tamardi was close to a top ten finish, missing out by a single shot. A final round 68 got him to a total of 210 strokes and a share of 12th place for the tournament, a fantastic result for the 15-year old junior golfer.
Sattaya took home a winner’s prize purse of US$10,635 and six Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points following his victory.
“I am very happy because this win will secure my place in top-five on the merit rankings now. The conditions have been tough, especially having to stop and restart our rounds so many times. Having a strong mindset is really important in situations like this. I told myself to stay patient and focused out there. I’m glad it worked out well for me,” said the 30-year-old Thai.
Sattaya had notched a top-10 finish at the Asian Tour’s Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters earlier in September, two weeks after claiming his second ADT victory in Malaysia.
“That top-10 finish on the Asian Tour gave me a lot of confidence. It shows that I am able to compete against the top players in the region. I’m looking forward to playing on the Asian Tour in the next couple of weeks,” added Sattaya, who mixed his card with six birdies against a lone bogey.
Leong, a one-time winner on the Asian Tour, capped a flawless back nine highlighted by two birdies and one eagle to mark his best finish on the ADT this season.
“It has been a good week for me. I couldn’t expect more. I’m actually surprised with my score. It’s been good since returning to competitive golf, having secured one win on the domestic Tour and a second-placed finish this week.
“I’ll be playing a couple more events on the local Tour before heading to the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School early next year. Hopefully I can keep up my momentum,” said the 28-year-old Malaysian, who sat out the entire 2013 season due to a back injury.
Since its inauguration in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 21 tournaments in 2014. The top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for 2015.
All ADT events also receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points which is a boost for the game in the region.
Leading third round scores:
201 – Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-67-67
203 – Ben LEONG (MAS) 67-69-67
205 – Airil Rizman ZAHARI (MAS) 69-69-67
207 – Arie IRAWAN (MAS) 72-69-66, Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 68-71-68, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 68-70-69
208 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 71-68-69, R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 70-66-72
209 – Danny CHIA (MAS) 75-67-67, Michael MOORE (AUS) 71-70-68, Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 68-69-72
Selected:
210 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA) 74-68-68
Mixed Results For Indonesians At Panasonic Open India
Delhi, November 8 - Rahil Gangjee of India rolled in a close range birdie putt on the last hole to hold a one-shot lead after the third round of the Panasonic Open India on Saturday.
The amiable Indian was disappointed not to extend his overnight two-shot lead after shooting a one-under-par 71 at the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
His three-day total of 11-under-par 205 gave him a slim advantage over title holder Wade Ormsby (70) of Australia who shared second place with popular Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman (69), Indian teenager Shubhankar Sharma (68) and Mithun Perera (69) of Sri Lanka.
Thailand’s Panuphol Pittayarat battled into contention with a 69, courtesy of two closing birdies, to trail Gangjee by two shots at the challenging Delhi Golf Club.
After opening with a birdie, Gangjee struggled on the greens and had to battle-tooth-and-nail to stay in contention to end a 10-year title drought on the Asian Tour.
“I wasn’t tensed because that’s what most people are thinking. I didn’t hit the shots and that’s what I didn’t like about the entire day. Overall, I hang in there today so tomorrow will be a lot better,” said the 36-year-old Gangjee.
The home favorite set-up a glorious 12-foot eagle chance on the 18th hole but misjudged the line before settling for a birdie. With four players snapping at his heels, Gangjee knows he must stay calm and patient.
“I hit a bunch of great putts but I had tricky lines so I got a bit unlucky today. I’m still in it with a chance so it will be about holding my nerves on the last 18 holes,” said Gangjee.
Australia’s Ormsby chipped-in for birdie on the ninth hole from the edge of the green and was thankful to escape with a bogey on 15 after his approach shot landed in the jungle. A birdie on the last hole put him within reach of retaining his title.
“I want to tune this putting. I feel good and I’m hitting a lot of good shots. I’m playing pretty feel but I want to get the putter going. I feel like I can get away from them but it is hard when the putter is cold,” said Ormsby, who posted a 70.
Without having any expectations, Siddikur, who is playing in his first event since injuring his back in June, was surprised to be in the hunt for a third Asian Tour title after registering a 69 highlighted by five birdies.
“I don’t have any goals and I think that’s the reason why I’m playing good. Compared to other tournaments, I would get angry when I hit a bad shot but this week, it is different. I just want to stay healthy and see where it leads me,” said Siddikur, who won the Indian Open here in 2013.
Playing on his favorite course, the sharp-shooting Perera, who is the son of Nandasena, a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, hopes his good form will yield a first Asian Tour victory on Sunday.
“If someone said there is no pressure considering the position I’m in, well that would be a lie! It was a good experience for me today,” said the stocky Sri Lankan, who played in the last group for the first time on the Asian Tour.
“I played so well in the last few holes. That will give me the confidence heading in the last round. Hopefully I can do the same thing and fly the Sri Lankan flag high,” smiled Perera, who battled to a 69.
The 18-year-old Shubhankar Sharma charged into contention and credited the experience of playing on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), which is the secondary circuit on the Asian Tour.
“The 10 tournaments that I have played on the ADT this year have really helped me grow as a professional. I posted two top-10s on the ADT and the experience has given me a taste of life on the Asian Tour,” smiled Sharma, who turned professional after winning the 2013 All India Championship.
There were mixed results for the Indonesians when Rory Hie (71) had another solid round and was able to climb a few places on the leaderboard, while George Gandranata (75) had to give up a few places. Rinaldi Adityandono meanwhile dropped to the bottom of the leaderboard after he completed his round 10 strokes over par.
Scores after round 3 of the Panasonic Open India 2014 being played at the par 72, 6983 Yards Delhi GC course (am- denotes amateur):
205 – Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 66-68-71
206 – Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 73-65-68, Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN) 70-67-69, Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-67-69, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-68-70
207 – Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 70-68-69
208 – Unho PARK (AUS) 69-71-68, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 73-66-69, Pratap ATWAL (am, IND) 69-68-71
209 – Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-70-71
Selected:
215 - Rory HIE (INA) 74-70-71
218 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 71-72-75
231- Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 76-73-82
The amiable Indian was disappointed not to extend his overnight two-shot lead after shooting a one-under-par 71 at the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
His three-day total of 11-under-par 205 gave him a slim advantage over title holder Wade Ormsby (70) of Australia who shared second place with popular Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman (69), Indian teenager Shubhankar Sharma (68) and Mithun Perera (69) of Sri Lanka.
Thailand’s Panuphol Pittayarat battled into contention with a 69, courtesy of two closing birdies, to trail Gangjee by two shots at the challenging Delhi Golf Club.
After opening with a birdie, Gangjee struggled on the greens and had to battle-tooth-and-nail to stay in contention to end a 10-year title drought on the Asian Tour.
“I wasn’t tensed because that’s what most people are thinking. I didn’t hit the shots and that’s what I didn’t like about the entire day. Overall, I hang in there today so tomorrow will be a lot better,” said the 36-year-old Gangjee.
The home favorite set-up a glorious 12-foot eagle chance on the 18th hole but misjudged the line before settling for a birdie. With four players snapping at his heels, Gangjee knows he must stay calm and patient.
“I hit a bunch of great putts but I had tricky lines so I got a bit unlucky today. I’m still in it with a chance so it will be about holding my nerves on the last 18 holes,” said Gangjee.
Australia’s Ormsby chipped-in for birdie on the ninth hole from the edge of the green and was thankful to escape with a bogey on 15 after his approach shot landed in the jungle. A birdie on the last hole put him within reach of retaining his title.
“I want to tune this putting. I feel good and I’m hitting a lot of good shots. I’m playing pretty feel but I want to get the putter going. I feel like I can get away from them but it is hard when the putter is cold,” said Ormsby, who posted a 70.
Without having any expectations, Siddikur, who is playing in his first event since injuring his back in June, was surprised to be in the hunt for a third Asian Tour title after registering a 69 highlighted by five birdies.
“I don’t have any goals and I think that’s the reason why I’m playing good. Compared to other tournaments, I would get angry when I hit a bad shot but this week, it is different. I just want to stay healthy and see where it leads me,” said Siddikur, who won the Indian Open here in 2013.
Playing on his favorite course, the sharp-shooting Perera, who is the son of Nandasena, a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, hopes his good form will yield a first Asian Tour victory on Sunday.
“If someone said there is no pressure considering the position I’m in, well that would be a lie! It was a good experience for me today,” said the stocky Sri Lankan, who played in the last group for the first time on the Asian Tour.
“I played so well in the last few holes. That will give me the confidence heading in the last round. Hopefully I can do the same thing and fly the Sri Lankan flag high,” smiled Perera, who battled to a 69.
The 18-year-old Shubhankar Sharma charged into contention and credited the experience of playing on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), which is the secondary circuit on the Asian Tour.
“The 10 tournaments that I have played on the ADT this year have really helped me grow as a professional. I posted two top-10s on the ADT and the experience has given me a taste of life on the Asian Tour,” smiled Sharma, who turned professional after winning the 2013 All India Championship.
There were mixed results for the Indonesians when Rory Hie (71) had another solid round and was able to climb a few places on the leaderboard, while George Gandranata (75) had to give up a few places. Rinaldi Adityandono meanwhile dropped to the bottom of the leaderboard after he completed his round 10 strokes over par.
Scores after round 3 of the Panasonic Open India 2014 being played at the par 72, 6983 Yards Delhi GC course (am- denotes amateur):
205 – Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 66-68-71
206 – Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 73-65-68, Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN) 70-67-69, Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-67-69, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-68-70
207 – Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 70-68-69
208 – Unho PARK (AUS) 69-71-68, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 73-66-69, Pratap ATWAL (am, IND) 69-68-71
209 – Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-70-71
Selected:
215 - Rory HIE (INA) 74-70-71
218 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 71-72-75
231- Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 76-73-82
Friday, November 7, 2014
Three Indonesians Into The Weekend At Panasonic Open India
Delhi, November 7 - Wade Ormsby signalled his strong intentions to retain the Panasonic Open India title after shooting a four-under-par 68 to grab the second round clubhouse lead on Friday.
The Australian rolled in five birdies for an eight-under-par 136 total to lead by one-shot over talented Sri Lankan Mithun Perera, who shot a 67, Terry Pilkadaris (68) of Australia and Indian amateur Pratap Atwal (68) at the Delhi Golf Club.
Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand produced six birdies but three putted on his closing ninth hole for double bogey. He finished with a 68 on 138 to tie for sixth place with Rashid Khan of India, who returned with a 70.
“I’m hitting the ball a lot of better than last year and that takes a lot of pressure off you when you play on this course,” said Ormsby, who won his first title at the 2013 Panasonic Open India after playing in over 200 professional tournaments.
After shooting a second straight 68, Ormsby believes a hot putter on the weekend will put him right on track to become the second player to defend a title on the Asian Tour this year.
“I’m hitting the ball a lot of better than last year and that takes a lot of pressure off you when you play on this course. If I can putt better than I will be in pretty good shape. I just can’t predict the speed of the greens but that’s okay. I’m going to work on that and I should be okay for the weekend,” he said.
A confident Mithun, the son of Nandasena, a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, was delighted to be in contention for a first Asian Tour win on his favorite course.
“Once I come to this golf course, I have a lot of confidence because this is a golf course which I like playing on. When I play here, I play without any worry and maybe that’s why I always do well here,” said Perera.
No less than three Indonesians will play during the weekend, as George Gandranata (72), Rory Hie (70) and Rinaldi Adiyandono (73) all made the cut. They are currently in 24th, 32nd and 62nd place respectively. Only William Sjaichudin (74) didn't make the cut, as he finishing at 7-over 151.
Scores after Round 2 (Par 72):
134 - Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 66-68
136 - Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-68
137 - Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-67, Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) 69-68, Pratap ATWAL (A) (IND) 69-68, Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN) 70-67
138 - Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 70-68, Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-70, Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 73-65
139 - Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 69-70, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 73-66
Selected:
143 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 71-72
144 - Rory HIE (INA) 74-70
149 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 76-73
151 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 77-74
The Australian rolled in five birdies for an eight-under-par 136 total to lead by one-shot over talented Sri Lankan Mithun Perera, who shot a 67, Terry Pilkadaris (68) of Australia and Indian amateur Pratap Atwal (68) at the Delhi Golf Club.
Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand produced six birdies but three putted on his closing ninth hole for double bogey. He finished with a 68 on 138 to tie for sixth place with Rashid Khan of India, who returned with a 70.
“I’m hitting the ball a lot of better than last year and that takes a lot of pressure off you when you play on this course,” said Ormsby, who won his first title at the 2013 Panasonic Open India after playing in over 200 professional tournaments.
After shooting a second straight 68, Ormsby believes a hot putter on the weekend will put him right on track to become the second player to defend a title on the Asian Tour this year.
“I’m hitting the ball a lot of better than last year and that takes a lot of pressure off you when you play on this course. If I can putt better than I will be in pretty good shape. I just can’t predict the speed of the greens but that’s okay. I’m going to work on that and I should be okay for the weekend,” he said.
A confident Mithun, the son of Nandasena, a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, was delighted to be in contention for a first Asian Tour win on his favorite course.
“Once I come to this golf course, I have a lot of confidence because this is a golf course which I like playing on. When I play here, I play without any worry and maybe that’s why I always do well here,” said Perera.
No less than three Indonesians will play during the weekend, as George Gandranata (72), Rory Hie (70) and Rinaldi Adiyandono (73) all made the cut. They are currently in 24th, 32nd and 62nd place respectively. Only William Sjaichudin (74) didn't make the cut, as he finishing at 7-over 151.
Scores after Round 2 (Par 72):
134 - Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 66-68
136 - Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-68
137 - Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-67, Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) 69-68, Pratap ATWAL (A) (IND) 69-68, Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN) 70-67
138 - Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 70-68, Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-70, Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 73-65
139 - Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 69-70, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 73-66
Selected:
143 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 71-72
144 - Rory HIE (INA) 74-70
149 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 76-73
151 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 77-74
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