Thaworn & Minoza lead at halfway

Thailand 's ace golfer Thaworn Wiratchant fired a sensational six-under-66 as he soared into the halfway lead with Frankie Minoza of the Philippines at the Carlsberg Masters 2005 Vietnam presented by Thai Airways International on Friday.

Thaworn, who shot an even-par 72 in the first round, enjoyed a blemish free card at the Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club, shooting a one eagle and four birdies. The leading duo, who were battling it out on a cool and wind-swept day in Hanoi , have a two-day total of six-under-par 138 in the US$200,000 Asian Tour event.

Japan 's Yoshinobu Tsakada struck a 71 as he moved into third place at 140 and was tied with overnight leader Danny Chia of Malaysia , who carded a 74 which included a double bogey.

Hong Kong's James Stewart cruised into contention with England 's Chris Rodgers and Thailand 's Somkiet Srisanga. The trio are tied on 141 in fifth position and lie three off the lead.

After managing a birdie on the 12th hole, Thaworn, the current Asian Tour Order Of Merit leader, stormed his way in the front nine when he eagled the 557 yards par five first hole from 40 feet. He then birdied the third, sixth and seventh holes to take his customary position at the top of the leaderboard

“My performance on both days was the same but today I managed to make the putts,” said Thaworn, who has won three titles already this season.

“I don't know about my performance tomorrow though because it is extremely cold and if the weather continues tomorrow, it will be very hard to predict my game,” he added.

Minoza, an old hand in Asia , had a bogey on the second hole but the Filipino veteran bounced back with a birdie on the third and a birdie on the sixth. He then fired two birdies and one bogey on the back nine. The highlight, however, a fantastic eagle on the par four 319 yards fifth hole which he chipped in.

“I am very happy especially with the eagle on the par four fifth hole when I chipped the ball in from around 20 yards,” said Minoza.

“I missed some easy birdies chances but my game was good throughout the day so I hope for a strong showing at the weekend,” he said. “I don't like the cold but will see how it goes."

Tsukada, along with many other golfers who were caught by surprise by the chilly conditions, was pleased with his overall performance when he carded three birdies and two bogeys. “It was very challenging since it was cold and very windy on the course,” said Tsudaka.

“The greens are very much thicker this year in comparison to last year so I have to make sure that I stay on the fairway at all costs,” he said. “I am happy but could have made more putts out there. I did not prepare for the cold weather as I came here without a sweater or winter jacket so am a bit wary about tomorrow.”

Local hero Hunyh Van Son is the first amateur to make the cut in two editions of Carlsberg Masters when he was inside the top 69. He finished in 54th position when he had a two day total of eight-over 152.

But it was not a sweet ending for defending champion from the Philippines Angelo Que who narrowly missed the cut in 70th position when he finished with 10-over 154.

Round 2 Results

138 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 72-66, Frankie Minoza (PHI) 70-68

140 - Yoshinobu Tsukada (JPN) 69-71, Danny Chia (MAS) 66-74

141 - Chris Rodgers (ENG) 67-74, James Stewart (HKG) 70-71, Somkiet Srisanga (THA) 71-70

143 - Firoz Ali ( IND ) 75-68

144 - Ron Won ( USA ) 71-73

145 - Amandeep Johl (IND) 75-70, Seuk Jong-Ryul (KOR) 71-74, Mukesh Kumar (IND) 72-73, Dean Alaban (AUS) 71-74, Chris Travers (AUS) 72-73, Simon Yates (SCO) 71-74

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