Southport: Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand fired two crucial birdies in his closing four holes to end the second round on three-over-par 73 and safely make the cut at the British Open on Friday.
The 47-year-old veteran was on the brink of missing the weekend rounds but birdies on holes 15 and 17, the only par-fives at Royal Birkdale, lifted him into the safety zone. He also birdied the same holes in his opening round.
With a total of three-over-par 143, Thongchai has successfully made the seven cuts in 11 appearances at the British Open.
"This is my 11th time in The Open so the experience have helped and made me mentally stronger. I've learned how to control my ball in the wind and how to handle the rain. I have confidence now playing in The Open and I'm not scared of anything," said Thongchai.
Playing in cross winds and heavy rain, Thongchai stayed grounded in the tricky conditions but rued a poor tee shot on the 13th hole where he posted a double bogey. He had earlier bogeyed holes one, 11 and 12.
"I played very good but only had one bad shot on the 13th hole because of a poor tee shot. I tried to aim right but I hit a hooked and had an unplayable. I played a very good round. The conditions were very tough but I made the cut so that's very important," he said.
"I look forward to the next two rounds. I'm very confident with my tee shots and irons. It is very difficult to find the fairways on this course. I missed only one fairway and I left with a double bogey. So it is very important to stay focused," added Thongchai.
Thai teenager Phachara Khongwatmai struggled against the elements and missed the cut for the second successive year. The 18-year-old hopes to put the experience to good use as he chases for a first Asian Tour title.
"I don't feel sad missing the cut because I had no expectations this week. For two days I have experienced bad weather but today was worst. It was windy and cold on the first nine holes," Phachara explained.
"It is OK… I'm still young and have many more opportunities to qualify for The Open. I'm very happy to be here with the golf stars. Maybe next time I can come back and play better," said the Thai.
Prayad Marksaeng also struggled to a 74 to miss the weekend rounds in what might be his final appearance at The Open.