Khon kaen: Evergreen Thaworn Wiratchant is in a good position to win his 18th title on the Asian Tour at the King’s Cup.
Thaworn Wiratchant is chasing his 18th Asian Tour win.
The 47-year-old, who was crowned the tour’s money winner in 2005 and 2012, yesterday shot a six-under-par 66 at Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club to stay second on 201.
Thaworn, who won this year’s Queen’s Cup in Samui, was one shot behind India’s Anirban Lahiri, who carded a 68 for 200.
Two shots off the pace in joint third place were Thais Sutijet Kooratanapisan (65), Panuphol Pittayarat (66) and Jakraphan Premsirigorn (69), and Australia’s Graem Dodt (69).
Thaworn, who made six birdies including five in row from the second hole, said that he took every chance and that he was still ambitious to add more trophies to his collection.
“I still want more wins — 17 is not enough," said the veteran.
“It’s going to be an exciting day tomorrow as anything can happen and the best one will win.”
Thais have won the tournament three times in a row — Udorn Duangdecha (2010), Arnond Vongvanij (2012) and Prayad Marksaeng (2013). The 2011 edition was cancelled due to flooding.
Lahiri, who is seeking his third win of the year, hit an eagle on the way to a 68.
The five-time tour winner Lahiri said he was surprised that he remained leader because he did not play well, especially on the front nine, where he had a birdie and a bogey.
“It was quite a struggle there. It felt like every step I took, I took two steps back again,” said the Indian, whose round included an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys.
“But I’m really happy that I managed to grind it out and on the back nine, I hit a lot of good shots and the game came back there.”
While Sutijet could win his maiden Asian Tour title, he admitted that the key to be successful was to hold his nerve.
“I am not sure how calm I will be tomorrow,” said Sutijet, who will be in the final group with Lahiri and Thaworn.
In his 10 events on the tour this year, Sutijet’s best result was joint 12th at the SAIL-SBI Open in India.
Prom Meesawat made a 67 for 204 for joint seventh with Paul Peterson of the US (67) and former Thailand national player Danthai Boonma (68) who is making his professional debut.
Phachara Khongwatmai, 15, yesterday fired a 65 for 207 to stay 16th.
Last year, Phachara became the youngest ever golfer to win a professional golf tournament when he, as an amateur, triumphed at the Singha Hua Hin Open. Two-time PGA Tour winner Daniel Chopra hit a second straight 72 for 211.