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CHINARAT PHADUNGSIL … shares the lead with New Zealand’s Mark Purser.
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23rd October, 2009
JOHOR BAHARU: Chinarat Phadungsil hogged the limelight on a day bad weather threatened to derail the US$1 million Iskandar Johor Open.
But the 21-year-old Bangkok-born Phadungsil sailed through the dark clouds gathered over the Royal Johor Country Club here to reach the safety of the clubhouse with a four-under 68 to share the lead with New Zealand’s Mark Purser.
Phadungsil, who turned pro only four years ago, carded six birdies but his scorecard was blemished by a double bogey on the Par 5 17th hole which left him totally frustrated.
“But that’s golf. You hit some good shots and you can hit some bad shots too. But otherwise I am happy with my round,” said Phadungsil, whose total earnings on the Tour has reached the US$480,00 mark.
Malaysia’s Danny Chia also had an encouraging run in the tournament which was interrupted by a three-hour break due to bad weather and came back with a three-under 69.
Danny had six birdies, one bogey and a double bogey on the Par 4 18th hole, which earned a lot among the early leaders.
“I wasn’t striking the ball well but my putting and chipping around the green was good. So it sort of evened out but I need to maintain my consistence over the next few days to stay in contention,” added Chia.
Defending champion Retief Goosen of South Africa also came through with a 69 but it had been a long hard day for the South African. His scorecard read six birdies and three bogeys but it was good enough to keep him in the right frame of mind, especially after his birdie on the final 18th hole.
“I had to wait three hours to birdie the hole because of the rain-interrupted session. But I guess it was worth the wait seeing the ball rolling in from six feet,” he added.
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