Chon Buri: England's Tommy Fleetwood fired a three-under-par 69 in the second round yesterday to take a one-shot lead at the Thailand Golf Championship.
Fleetwood, who is making his debut here, had a two-day total of 140, one shot ahead of 2011 champion Lee Westwood (71), also of England, and Australia's Marcus Fraser (72) in the US$1 million Asian Tour event.
Little-known Thai Tirawat Kaewsiribundit, who turned pro earlier this year, made a 72 to tie for fourth with American Jonathan Moore who fired a successive 71 at Amata Spring.
World No.60 Fleetwood, who made four birdies and one bogey in windy conditions, said he felt better about his game compared to the opening day.
"Today, I played really well and had only about three or four bad shots," he said. "It is a pleasure to play on this course. Once you miss the fairways it is like a one-shot penalty so when you play well it is very satisfying.
"With the names playing this week, it is really nice to see my name on top of the leaderboard."
Westwood is in contention to become the first player to win the tournament more than once having won the inaugural edition in 2011.
However, it is impossible for him to repeat his winning score of 22-under-266 in 2011.
"I played well again. All in all it was a good round and three-under will put me in a good position for the weekend," said the world No.43, whose round included five birdies and three bogeys.
"It is tricky out there. The course is playing very difficult compared to previous years."
Fraser, who has continued his swift recovery after an eight-month lay-off due to a wrist injury, felt more comfortable and confident with his game.
"It's reassuring to know you're doing the right things and preparing properly for a tournament after having so long out of the game,'' said the 36-year-old.
Khon Kaen-born Tirawat, who is coached by Thai legendary player Boonchu Ruangkit, said that he had a good round because he felt relaxed.
"I just tried to enjoy my game,'' said Tirawat, who got a place in the tournament through Monday's qualifying. "Boonchu tells me to play aggressively, be confident and attack the flag."
Thongchai Jaidee shot a 71 for joint sixth on 143 along with US Open champion Martin Kaymer of Germany (72) and Paul Peterson of the US (72).
World No.4 Bubba Watson, who improved with a 70 for 146, said that although the conditions were tougher than the opening day, he could make a few putts.
"I made a few putts today and felt confident,'' said the Masters champion.
He was tied for 21st along with defending champion Sergio Garcia of Spain (75), Charlie Wi of South Korea (72), Thaworn Wiratchant (74), Prayad Marksaeng (74) and overnight joint leader Thanyakorn Khrongpha (77).