2007 Midea China Classic - Round 2: Thaworn takes the lead in style with 63

2005 Order of Merit champion Thaworn Wiratchant was back on familiar ground after a superb eight-under-par 63 for the second round lead at the inaugural Midea China Classic on Friday.

Thaworn, an eight-time winner on the Asian Tour, felt right at home at the Royal Orchid International Golf Club when he fired nine birdies against a lone bogey. He grabbed a one stroke lead over Edward Michaels of United States in lone second position after a 64.

Thai young gun Chinarat Phadungsil, who started on the back nine, leaped up the leaderboard after firing a course record 62. Chinarat, who is ranked 37th on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, enjoyed a blemish free round with nine birdies that included seven birdies on the first nine holes. Chinarat turned in seven-under-par 28, which matched Chung Chun-hsing’s record low nine-hole score at the 2001 Maekyung Open. Chung however negotiated his nine holes in eight-under-par then.

Riding on his steady form this season was Scotsman Simon Yates who improved with a 64 in tied fourth place with Korea’s Hur In-hoi and Hong Kong’s David Freeman firing a similar score four strokes off the pace at the US$400,000 event. Youngster Choengchai Panpumpo of Thailand, who turned pro last year at the age of 15, produced his second straight 66 also in joint fourth spot together with India’s S.S.P Chowrasia who carded a 67.

After a superb 2005 season where he won a record of four Asian Tour titles, Thaworn has been determined to get back to the winners circle and with a strong 63 in the second round today, the 40-year-old Thai is pleased to lead the way heading into the weekend.

“I am extremely happy. This course is not too long and suits my game because my strength is in my short game. The result has definitely given me a boost and I’m looking forward to the challenges tomorrow.

“I was striking it well in every aspect of my game but my putting was exceptional today, I am very pleased,” said Thaworn, who produced a 14-under-par 128 total and is currently ranked 19th on the UBS Order of Merit.

Enjoying a similar run was Michaels who has the loyal support of his wife and caddie Missy on the bag as he produced a blemish free round with seven birdies.

“My wife quit her job about a month ago to caddie for me full time. She has been on the bag for me for four years. The reason she quit was because a month ago, I felt I wasn’t too happy being on the road alone. I love having her as support and to be around, it makes me feel more relaxed off the course.

“I think her being with me full time now has made me more relaxed and refreshed because I can really take a load off after a round by spending time with her. I am tickled to death about my performance today,” admitted Michael, who is enjoying his best performance since his shoulder injury incurred in 2005.

Starting on the back nine, Chinarat was in fiery form as he blazed past the first nine holes with five consecutive birdies on the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th holes and followed up with two more straight birdies on the last two holes. He closed in with two more birdies on the way home as he is eager to climb up to the top spot.

“I want to lead the way after the third round and hopefully win this tournament. I am really determined to win this week and will try my best to reach that goal because I feel good about my game,” said Chinarat, who turned pro in 2005 after his maiden win on the Asian Tour while competing as an amateur.

Wu Kang Chun was the highest ranked Chinese player after a 65 in joint ninth place alongside Filipino Mars Pucay who posted a 67 for a 133 total. Also in tied ninth position was Australia’s Michael Wright who shot a 66 and Jin Park who carded a 67 five strokes off the pace.

Australia’s Neven Basic swung it on target with a seven iron as he enjoyed a hole-in-one at the par three 186 yards 15th hole. He will walk away with either a Midea central air-conditioning system or US$15,000 in cash. Basic, playing in his rookie season, posted a 65 for a 134 total in tied 13th place.

China’s Liang Wen-chong, the UBS Order of Merit leader, shot a 70 alongside compatriot Zhang Lian-wei who improved with a 67 as both players were tied in 29th spot after a 137 total.

Leading second round scores (click here for full leaderboard):

128 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 65-63

129 - Edward Michaels (USA) 65-64

130 - Chinarat Phadungsil (THA) 68-62

132 - Hur In-hoi (KOR) 68-64, S.S.P. Chowrasia (IND) 65-67, Choengchai Punpumpo (THA) 66-66, Simon Yates (SCO) 68-64, David Freeman (HKG) 68-64

133 - Wu Kang-chun (CHN) 68-65, Mars Pucay (PHI) 66-67, Michael Wright (AUS) 67-66, Jin Park (USA) 66-67

134 - Rahil Gangjee (IND) 66-68, Neven Basic (AUS) 69-65, Lin Keng-chi (TPE) 66-68, Mahal Pearce (NZL) 66-68, Scott Barr (AUS) 68-66

135 - Hendrik Buhrmann (RSA) 67-68, S. Sivachandran (MAS) 69-66, Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 68-67, Park Jun-won (KOR) 69-66, Ben Leong (MAS) 68-67

September 14, 2007