Jazz clinging to slice of three-way lead

Jazz clinging to slice of three-way lead

Thai rising star manages to stay level with Que and Lee at Manila Masters

MANILA : Overnight leader Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand remained in prime position of becoming the second youngest professional winner on the Asian Tour after he posted a three-under-par 69 for a share of the second-round lead with Filipino Angelo Que and Canada's Richard T Lee at the US$750,000 Resorts World Manila Masters yesterday.

Jazz Janewattananond

The 17-year-old, who had a two-day total of 133, could follow in the footsteps of South Korea's Noh Seung-Yul by winning his first title on the tour at a tender age if he lifts the trophy at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club tomorrow.

Thailand's Prom Meesawat signed for a 67 to stay joint fourth alongside Spanish rookie Carlos Pigem, England's Chris Rodgers and Malaysia's Nicholas Fung.

After shaking off the effects of flu, Jazz is now looking forward to playing his best golf during the weekend rounds. Like any other teenager, the overnight leader just wants to adopt a carefree attitude and enjoy himself over the next 36 holes.

"I try not to think too much about winning yet as I believe the key to doing well is to have fun. I'm beginning to feel very comfortable around this golf course and I'm enjoying myself," said the Hua Hin native, who turned professional one day before his 15th birthday at the King's Cup in Thailand in 2010.

"I was struggling to finish my round yesterday and it was a pleasant surprise when I took the lead. I missed a couple of putts today but it was alright. I'm well now and hopefully this good run will continue."

Que kept the local hopes alive when he fired a 66 to remain firmly in contention for his first Asian Tour win on home soil in five years.

The three-time Asian Tour winner's last home victory on the tour was in 2008 when he won his country's National Open. And a victory at the Resorts World Manila Masters will cap a brilliant year for the 34-year-old who has enjoyed four top-five finishes so far.

"I've been playing with a lot of confidence since finishing fourth in India last week. I am in top form coming back to play on home soil this week. It's good to see my wife following me throughout my round. It's easier to play when I know my family is close by. I'm more relaxed on the course too," said Que, who marked his card with eight birdies against two bogeys.

Lee, who has yet to drop a shot this week, is also bracing himself for an enthralling weekend ahead.

The rookie overcame the windy conditions to mark his card with birdies on the fourth, seventh, 11th and 17th holes.

Prom remains hopeful of ending his seven-year title drought after his last win on the Asian Tour came in South Korea in 2006.

While he has yet to reach the dizzy heights of 2006, the 29-year-old is optimistic of making his return to the winning circle.

"I didn't make too many mistakes today. I had a good start despite playing in the wind which was always going to be challenging. If you keep the ball in play and hit it onto the green, you'll have a good chance for birdie because the greens here are very small," said Prom.

"Im still looking for my second win and I'm going to try my best. I'll try to stay close to the top of the leaderboard and hopefully things go my way come Sunday."

LEADING SECOND ROUND SCORES

133 - Angelo Que (PHI) 67-66, Richard T Lee (CAN) 65-68, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 64-69

134 - Nicholas Fung (MAS) 70-64, Prom Meesawat (THA) 67-67, Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 68-66, Chris Rodgers (ENG) 68-66

135 - Adilson Da Silva (BRA) 68-67, David Lipsky (USA) 66-69

136 - Liang Wen-chong (CHN) 67-69, Mithun Perera (SRI) 69-67, Stephen Lewton (ENG) 70-66, Hung Chien-yao (TWN) 68-68, Charles Hong (PHI) 66-70, Kalle Samooja (FIN) 67-69

137 - Himmat Rai (IND) 68-69, Lee Sung (KOR) 67-70, Thanyakon Khrongpha (THA) 67-70, Jaakko Makitalo (FIN) 69-68, Carlos Sainz Jr (USA) 66-71, Sam Brazel (AUS) 71-66, SSP Chowrasia (IND) 71-66, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 69-68, Lam Chih Bing (SIN) 67-70

138 - Digvijay Singh (IND) 70-68, David Lutterus (AUS) 68-70, Anthony Kang (USA) 67-71, Sutijet Kooratanapisan (THA) 67-71, Tsai Chi-huang (TWN) 68-70, Pariya Junhasavasdikul (THA) 68-70

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