2006 Brunei Open - Round 2: Lin and Wright ahead at halfway

Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang and Aussie ace Michael Wright led the way after the second round of the US$300,000 Brunei Open on Friday.

Lin, who is ranked 49th on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, enjoyed a blemish free round as he struck a blistering eight-under-par 63, matching the course record set by Malaysia’s Danny Chia in the inaugural event last year at the Empire Hotel and Country Club.

With a total of nine-under par 133, the 32-year-old was tied for the lead alongside Wright who shot a 66. Chinese Taipei’s Chen Tze-chung was in joint third position after two birdies a stroke off the pace. Filipino youngster Juvic Pagunsan remained in the hunt after a 68 alongside Chen.

India’s Rahil Gangjee, who set the pace on Thursday, slipped down the leaderboard to joint fifth position as he was even-par for the day. Gangjee was tied together with Scotsman Ross Bain and David Gleeson of Australia as both players carded matching 68s. It was similarly for Henry Perks of Australia who also climbed up the leaderboard after a 67.

Lin is enjoying a good spell after his return from the summer break as he had previously lost out in the playoff at the Crowne Plaza Open in Sanya last week.

Despite suffering from soar eyes today, Lin stunned the field with birdies on the 12th, 15th and 16th holes before firing two consecutive birdies at the second and third holes. Three more birdies in the sixth, eighth and ninth holes secured his position at the top.

“Sand entered my eyes while I was playing at the Crowne Plaza Open and my eyes never fully recovered. My eyes today were extremely soar so I will head to the hospital and get it checked,” said Lin.

“Besides that, I am very happy because everything on my game worked out well for me today. I have been feeling good about my swing and I’m glad that I was able to deliver.

“I was tied at the playoff in Sanya (Crowne Plaza Open) and here I am again in the leading pack so I am definitely looking forward to continue my good performance in the remaining days,” said Lin.

Wright, who finished tied 12th at the Aamby Valley Asian Masters, scored four consecutive birdies on the front nine and with two more birdies and a lone bogey, and the 32-year-old Queensland-born golfer is gunning for his strongest finish this season.

“I got off to a really good start once the birdies started rolling in. My putting was very good and I was quite patient out there,” said Wright, who is placed 62nd on the UBS Order of Merit.

“I am in a good position to strengthen my place in the Order of Merit and if I can keep doing what I’m doing, I’ll be happy. The more birdies, the better!” He said.

Chen, better known as TC, chalked up two birdies on the ninth and 14th holes as he enjoyed a bogey free round.

“I was pretty steady today so I am quite pleased. The par three 14th hole felt good because I managed a 20 foot birdie putt,” said Chen.

Defending champion Terry Pilkadaris shot a 69 as he was in tied ninth place.

“It was disappointing today and I didn’t capitalise on my opportunities. A lot of my iron shots went left today so I am not too happy,” said Pilkadaris.

India’s Jyoti Randhawa was in joint 43rd spot after a 67 but it was a disappointing end for Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant who missed the cut when he was even-par for the second consecutive day.

Leading second round scores
133 - Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 70-63, Michael Wright (AUS) 67-66
134 - Chen Tze-chung (TPE) 65-69, Juvic Pagunsan (PHI) 66-68
135 - Henry Perks (AUS) 68-67, Ross Bain (SCO) 67-68, David Gleeson (AUS) 67-68
Rahil Gangjee (IND) 64-71
136 - Rashid Ismail (MAS) 69-67, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 67-69, Rick Gibson (CAN) 67-69, Jason Knutzon (USA) 68-68, Garth Mulroy (RSA) 68-68
137 - Ahmad Bateman (CAN) 71-66, Anthony Kang (USA) 70-67, Nico Van Rensburg (RSA) 68-69, Boonchu Ruangkit (THA) 67-70, Richard Moir (AUS) 69-68, Jason King (AUS) 68-69, Kao Bo-Song (TPE) 69-68
138 - Sung Mao-Chang (TPE) 65-73, Lee Sung (KOR) 70-68, Adam Le Vesconte (AUS) 67-71, Wang Ter-chang (TPE) 68-70, Shabbir Iqbal (PAK) 70-68, Brad Iles (NZL) 70-68, Suk Jong-yul (KOR) 70-68, Tony Carolan (AUS) 70-68

August 25, 2006

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