2009 Mercedes-Benz Masters Singapore - Round 2: Steady Mardan moves clear at the top

Singapore’s Mardan Mamat fired his second-successive three-under-par 69 to take the halfway lead in the US$60,000 Mercedes-Benz Masters Singapore today at Laguna National Golf and Country Club.

He moved a stroke ahead of compatriot and first round leader Lam Chih Bing who came in with a 72, in what is the season-opening on the Mercedes-Benz Tour.

Mamat lies on six under for the tournament and is looking for his first win on the fledgling circuit which this year boasts nine events.

“It’s nice to put two solid rounds together and I am looking forward to having a shot at the title at the weekend,” said Mamat.

“Obviously this is where I won the Singapore Masters in 2006 so it is an inspirational place for me where I hope to win again,” added Mamat.

The Singaporean nailed five birdies and two bogeys. He dropped a shot on the first but quickly forgot about that and had a bogey free back nine with birdies on 11, 12, and 17.

Mamat has partnered close friend Lam in three World Cups - in 2002, 2005 and 2006 – and so it will be an exciting showdown between Singapore’s top two players for the final two rounds.

Lam, winner of last year’s Asian Masters in Thailand, was unable to produce his first round fireworks but played a steady round with a birdie on the fifth and a dropped shot on 15.

“It is going to be a very competitive final two rounds which will really help to sharpen my game,” said Lam, who claimed the first event on the Mercedes-Benz Tour last year in Indonesia.

Lam ended in second place in this event last season behind Pariya Junhasavasdikul from Thailand.

Pariya carded a 70 and is three off the lead.

Singaporean amateur star Quincy Qwek added a 75 to his opening 75 and is 10 behind Mamat.

Leading second round scores (par 72):

138 - Mardan Mamat (SIN) 69 69
139 - Lam Chih Bing (SIN) 67 72
140 - Namchok TANTIPOKAKUL (THA) 68 72
141 - Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 71 70, S SIVA CHANDRAN (MAS) 69 72, Rey PAGUNSAN (PHL) 68 73, Danny CHIA (MAS) 70 71
142 - Varut CHOMCHALAM (THA) 69 73, Jay BAYRON (PHL) 70 72 18, Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 71 71, Rory HIE (IDN) 70 72
143 - Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 73 70, Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 72 71, P. GUNASEGARAN (MAS) 71 72, Ferdie AUNZO (PHL) 73 70, Andik MAULUDDIN (IDN) 71 72

Selected:

148 - Quincy Qwek (a) (SIN) 73-75

March 12, 2009