Thai youngster grabs early lead
Posted by Syimah Friday, 05 February 2010 09:15
THAILAND'S Kiradech Aphibarnrat battled to a four-under 68 yesterday to share the first round lead with American Jason Knutzon and Brazilian newcomer Lucas Lee at the season-opening Asian Tour International.
The 20-year-old Kiradech, a former world junior champion, rolled in five birdies at the Suwan Golf and Country Club to join Knutzon, who played despite being ill, and Lee atop the leaderboard at the US$300,000 event.
Entering the week, the burly Kiradech declared his intention of breaking through for a first title in Asia and a round helped greatly by his big-hitting game pushed him to the forefront.
"I'm very happy. I hit many wedges into the greens and got four birdies from close range. This is my chance to win. I'll try to keep it up as it's my goal to win on the Asian Tour," said Kiradech, who finished 30th on the Order of Merit in his rookie season last year.
Knutzon rose from his sick bed to set the morning pace. The two-time Asian Tour winner has been down with fever for the past two days but he lived up to the adage "beware the sick golfer" by firing five birdies against a lone bogey.
"It's pretty amazing when you have something else to think about," said a weary Knutzon. "Luckily it was pretty cool this morning which helped ... Anytime you shoot under par, it should make you feel a bit better."AFP
