HONG KONG: Thailand’s Ekpharit Wu and Sarit Suwannarat were four strokes off the pace at the halfway mark of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.
Thailand's Ekpharit Wu inspects a green during the second round.
The 16-year-old Ekpharit scored five birdies and two bogeys for his second three-under 67 in a row at the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club, while Sarit fired a 65 with seven birdies and two bogeys.
An identical two-round total of six-under-134 left them four strokes behind the leader.
Jin Cheng of China posted a second round 68 to lead with 10-under 130, two strokes ahead of second-placed Takashi Ogiso of Japan (65). She Zihan of China (66) and Australians Cameron Davis (64) and Ryan Ruffels (64) were on 133.
Ekpharit, a member of the Lion City Cup winning team in Khon Kaen two weeks ago, was more than happy to fire a 67 in windy conditions.
“I made some mistakes but managed to correct them,” said the grade 10 student from Magudmuang Rajchawitthayalai in Rayong.
“My approach shots gave me chances today. Actually, my putting was also better than the first day.”
In his debut at the tournament, which grants an automatic place at the next year's Masters to the winner, the Thai-Taiwanese Ekprarit said: “Anything can happen now and I am confident about my game. I am trying not to get ahead of myself. I will just give it all I have and challenge myself.”
Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, who made a first round 71, improved with a 64 to tie for 11th on 135.
Sangchai Kaewcharoen (70) was two strokes down further. Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (71) and Khomkhem Limbhasut (70) shared 31st place on 139.
Defending champion Antonio Murdaca of Australia had a second round 70 for 139 while 2012 champion Guan Tianlang of China carded a poor 73 for 141.
The cut was made at 143 with 62 players qualifying through.
Ali Abdulla Ali Sharrani of Qatar made a hole-in-one at the 16th but missed the cut with 153.