Double A International Open - Round 2: Indian rookie takes charge

India's Shiv Kapur produced another electrifying performance with a five-under-par 68 and opened up a three-shot clubhouse lead in the second round of the US$300,000 Double A International Open on Friday.

The 23-year-old Kapur played "boring" golf at the par 73 St Andrews Hill (2000) Golf Club, enjoying a blemish-free card with five birdies and leads with a two-day total of 134.

Thailand's Thammanoon Srirot carded a 68 for second place on 137 while last season's Asian Tour number one Thongchai Jaidee shared third place with Scotland's Simon Yates, a further stroke back.

Filipino Angelo Que and Australian Jason Dawes remained on the fringe in tied fifth position after rounds of 70 and 71 respectively left them five behind the talented Kapur.

The second round was suspended for nearly an hour this afternoon due to lightning and resulted in 24 players failing to complete their rounds. They will return early Saturday to finish their remaining holes, where the halfway cut will be made.

Kapur, playing in his rookie season on the Asian Tour, was undeterred by the delay as he enjoyed a stress-free day. “I am happy with my performance because I was bogey free with no errors,” said Kapur. “I’m pleased with the result because I rather be three ahead than three behind.”

Starting from the back nine, the 23-year-old birdied the 12th, 13th and 16th from close range and subsequently birdied the par six 878-yard fourth hole from six feet, which he converted after the weather delay.

“It was a boring golf as I did not do anything fancy,”said Kapur. “I have never led at the halfway stage. There’s pressure when you're leading or in second place but I think I will enjoy the pressure. We all know who Thongchai is and Thammanoon is a good player. I plan to stick to my game plan this weekend."

After losing in a play-off three weeks ago in the Bangkok Airways Open, local star Thammanoon charged into contention once again with seven birdies on the card against a bogey and one double bogey.

The 36-year-old said his secret to his good day was not warming up at the driving range or practice green. "I felt good this morning and decided not to hit balls at the range or practice green. I only did some stretching exercises," said Thammanoon, a five-time winner in Asia.

“I am 80 per cent sure that I can win this tournament. I am striking the ball very well and my tee shots are excellent. I am very happy because I was aiming for a total of three to four under today but finishing with a 68 was very good," added the Thai.

Thongchai, a two-time Asian Tour number one, once again fell victim to the challenging par six fourth hole as he dropped a bogey for the second straight day after finding water with a three wood third shot. He also dropped a shot at the demanding par three 17th hole again.

“I faced problems at the same holes,” lamented Thongchai. “I am not too happy with my performance as I missed only two greens and missed many putts. However, trailing by four shots is not a problem as there are still two more days to go. I still have a chance as you can shoot eight or nine under here.”

A change in his putting grip saw Thai-based Scotsman Simon Yates shoot into contention with a five-birdie round.

“I had no bogeys which was good. I changed my grip last weekend and started rolling the ball much better which has been the key this week. It's good to be back on the leaderboard again,” said Yates, who finished third on the Order of Merit last season.

Current money list leader Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand fell off the pace after stumbling to a 76, which included a double bogey at the par six hole. Thaworn, winner of the Hero Honda Indian Open last weekend, is tied 36th on 145.

Overnight co-leader Kenny Walker of Scotland was even par for the round through 15 holes and seven under for the tournament.

The Double A International Open is making its debut on the Asian Tour this week.

Leading second round scores
134 - Shiv Kapur (IND) 66-68
137 - Thammanoon Srirot (THA) 69-68
138 - Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 67-71, Simon Yates (SCO) 70-68
139 - Angelo Que (PHI) 69-70, Jason Dawes (AUS) 68-71
140 - Harmeet Kahlon (IND) 71-69, Steven Tan (MAS) 70-70, Alistair Presnell (AUS) 73-67, Jochen Lupprian (GER) 71-69
141 - Chris Travers (AUS) 72-69, Wang Ter-Chang (TPE) 68-73, Unho Park (AUS) 68-73, Pat Giles (AUS) 70-71, Mahal Pearce (NZL) 71-70
142 - Nakarintra Ratanakul [A] (THA) 68-74, Gerald Rosales (PHI) 72-70, Chris Rodgers (ENG) 74-68, Larry Austin (AUS) 73-69, Scott Strange (AUS) 70-72, Yeh Chang-Ting (TPE) 69-73
143 - Ashok Kumar (IND) 71-72, Prom Meesawat (THA) 72-71, Sung Mao-Chang (TPE) 71-72, Anura Rohana (SRI) 74-69.

Note: A total of 24 players failed to complete the second round due to fading light. They will resume Saturday 7am.

November 4, 2005

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