Sutijet, Tirawat surge ahead

Sutijet, Tirawat surge ahead

Tirawat Kaewsiribandit hits a tee shot during yesterday's second round.
Tirawat Kaewsiribandit hits a tee shot during yesterday's second round.

Sutijet Kooratanapisan and Tirawat Kaewsiribandit shared the lead at the halfway mark of the Singha-SAT Championship 2016 in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday.

Tirawat, who trailed overnight leader Thanyakorn Khrongpha by three strokes after the first round, posted a second-round 68 with five birdies and one bogey for a seven-under 137 at the three-million-baht Thai PGA Tour event.

Sutijet had a mixed round of 70 with six birdies and four bogeys yesterday.

Thanyakorn's form slumped a bit on the second day and he could only manage to card an even-par 72 with two birdies and an equal number of bogeys. He was tied for third place on 138 with Poom Saksansin (68) and Ronnachai Jomnong (70).

The 26-year-old Tirawat, who is looking for his maiden title on the Thai PGA Tour, said that he would try to stick to the same game plan over the next two rounds.

He added that he had become more confident with his game after his runner-up finish at last week's Hua Hin Open on the All Thailand Golf Tour.

"Compared to last week, I am playing much better here. Only my putting needs to be improved," said the golfer from Khon Kaen.

"The greens this week are faster."

Sutijet, who is attempting to win his second professional title after his triumph in Malaysia last month, said that he should have done better.

"It was kind of up and down the whole day. I had poor chips on many holes.

"I am hoping for another title and if my short game and putters work well, then I do have a chance."

A stroke down further on five-under 139 at the par-72 Majestic Creek Golf Club and Resort were Thammanoon Sriroj (67), winner of qualifying event Pariya Junhasavasdikul (71), Chapchai Nirat (69) and Thepbodin Amaranan (69).

The 47-year-old Thammanoon, who yesterday had five birdies in a bogey-free round, credited his driver for the good round.

"My drivers were great compared to the first round," said the veteran, who has five Asian Tour titles under his belt.

"I gave myself a lot of chances with some good drives."

The cut was made at 146 with 70 players qualifying for the weekend rounds.

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