Hua Hin: Home favourite Kiradech Aphibarnrat was one stroke behind leader Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain after two rounds at the Thailand Classic.
In yesterday’s second round, Kiradech fired a second consecutive five-under-par 67 for 134 the Black Mountain Golf Club.
He was one shot behind Jimenez who made a 66 for 133 in the US$2 million tournament co-sanctioned by the European and Asian tours.
Six-time European Tour winner Thongchai Jaidee also hit a 66 to stay joint third on 135 along with Scott Hend of Australia (68) and Richard Lee of Canada (67).
Overnight leader Michael Hoey of Northern Ireland (72) dropped to joint sixth on 136.
Kiradech, whose only previous European Tour win was at the 2013 Malaysian Open, made one eagle, six birdies and three bogeys in the second round of Thailand’s richest golf event.
The 25-year-old said he did not make many mistakes although he dropped another shot at the 18th hole after a double bogey in the previous round.
“I made another mistake at the 18th hole,” he said.
“My game has become better and better since the start of the year.”
He said he wanted to win the title as a present for his engagement with long-time girlfriend Thanyathorn Chaiyarat next month.
“I think I am one of the title contenders here,” said Kiradech who had a season to forget last year.
Jimenez, 51, shrugged off a bout of flu to reel off seven birdies and one bogey.
Except for the final hole bogey, the Spaniard said that was happy with his round where he played solid golf and made a lot of birdies.
“I feel nice and my shots to the greens were good,” said the European Tour’s oldest winner, who is seeking his 22nd tour title.
“I have the flu and I am very bunged up and slept terribly last night. But apart from that I’m fine.”
Thongchai, who had seven birdies and one bogey, rued his missed birdie chances from close range in four holes.
“I struggled a bit with my putting. I should have made eight-under today,” he said.
“With two shots behind the leader and two rounds to go, everything can happen. I really want to win here. However, Jimenez is more experienced and knows how to win.”
The halfway cut was 142 with 79 players including 12 Thais qualifying for the weekend.
Panuphol Pittayarat missed the cut by four shots but he should not be disappointed by his performance.
He won a townhouse at the course worth 12 million baht after making a hole-in-one at the 192-yard 14th hole.
“I am still shaking after finishing the round,” said Panuphol who used a six-iron for his second ace since turning pro in 2007.
“I’ve seen the picture of the house every day since I arrived. And now it is mine.”
Two-time Asian Tour No.1 Thaworn Wiratchant also missed the cut after shooting a 79 for 152.