Campbell sweeps past rivals to lead by four at Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways
Fiji, August 3: New Zealand’s Ben Campbell swept aside his closest rivals by firing a six-under-par 66 to surge to the top of the leaderboard with a four-shot cushion after the second round of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Friday.
Campell held a share of the overnight lead after opening with a 67 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course but showed his intent of breaking clear of the tight leaderboard when he charged towards the turn in 33 with three birdies.
He then moved further ahead by snaring four more birdies on holes 11, 12, 14 and 17 before dropping his only shot of the day on the closing 18 for a two-day total of 11-under-par 133.
Australia’s Andrew Dodt, who also opened with a 67 to share pole position after the first round, lost his advantage as he could only settle for a 70 to take second place.
China’s Wu Ashun meanwhile overcame his early tournament jitters by making his move with a 69 which was highlighted by an eagle three on 17 to stay six shots back of Campbell in tied-fifth place.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar made his Fijian debut count with another assured performance by signing for a 69 to share fifth place with Wu as well as the Australian trio of Nicholas Cullen, Steven Jeffress, Jake McLeod and New Zealand’s Nick Voke and Harry Bateman.
Thailand’s Poom Saksansin will meanwhile be hoping for favourable weather as he heads into the weekend round in tied-12 position.
Poom has never been a big fan of playing under blustery conditions and hopes the day’s benign conditions can set him up for another title charge as the weekend round beckons at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.
Did you know?
- A mysterious illness kept Ben Campbell out of the game on and off for more than a year in 2017.
- After graduating from the Asian Tour Qualifying School in January with a tied-seventh finish, Campbell secured his first professional win at the New Zealand PGA Championship the following month in February this year.
- Andrew Dodt is a two-time Asian Tour winner. His last victory on the Tour came at the True Thailand Classic in Thailand in 2015.
- Dodt finished tied-35th at the Fiji International in 2017.
- Wu Ashun only managed to get to the tee box minutes before his tee off time on Thursday as his luggage and golf bag had earlier met with a delay.
- Despite the early hiccups, Wu posted an opening round of 70 which placed him in a share of eighth place after the first round.
- Wu is the second highest ranked Chinese player in the Official World Golf Rankings and is making his second appearance in Fiji.
- Gaganjeet Bhullar claimed his eighth Asian Tour title at the Macao Open last year to become the youngest player to win eight titles on the region’s premier Tour.
- He endured another missed opportunity for his ninth Asian Tour win at the Queen’s Cup last month.
- The Indian also came close at the Maekyung Open in Korea in May but settled for a share of second place after he was defeated in the play-off.
Players Quotes
Ben Campbell (Nzl) Second round 66 (-6), Total 133 (-11)
Yeah, I played really well out there. I got off to a nice start, which was good. I didn’t hit really too many bad shots out there. The putter was feeling good, I chipped it well, and yeah, it was just keeping the ball in play, so I couldn’t complain much. I think this is one of the first few times I’ve ever played it in this kind of conditions. The game plan actually changed a little bit as you were able to have a go at a few flags. I just feel a lot more comfortable out here. There’s obviously a long way to go there. But winning any event would help in some way, whether it’s get your status or secure status or get you into other events and things like that. But yeah, obviously I think the easy part is done, it’s the tough part now to keep going.
Andrew Dodt (Aus) Second round 70 (-2), Total 137 (-7)
I didn’t make a birdie on the back nine, which is a bit frustrating considering that the wind completely dropped and scoring was there to take advantage of. But I’m still in a good position and excited for the weekend. It was a different direction for the first nine holes, but when I put the pins in my yardage box this morning, I thought the pins were quite accessible, so I am quite surprised that no one did go low because it was there for the taking. I probably need to stay aggressive and keep attacking. My nature is a little bit going into a bit of a shell and get a bit defensive, so I really need to keep the foot on the accelerator and keep being aggressive. Ben’s obviously playing well, so he’s going to take a bit of catching, but I can only do my best.
Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) Second round 69 (-3), Total 139 (-5)
I had a shaky start to the round, I started with a bogey and then I had another bogey on three but I made a really good birdie on number two and a great par save on number four. I was struggling with my driving on the first three holes, but after that, I kind of got my momentum and swung the ball really well on the back nine. And, you know, three-under, even though it’s not that great of a round, and there’s still 36 holes to go, I’m in a good position right now. There were tough conditions when we got started and it was not easy to hit the ball that close. Despite the fact, I kept on telling myself to hit a lot of greens in regulation and kept the ball in play pretty much on the back nine. I am enjoying my time in Fiji. Every time I’m here, every third person is calling my surname, calling "bula, bula." It’s very good. My wife is here and we both are enjoying ourselves, having a great time.
Wu Ashun (Chn) Second round 69 (-3), Total 139 (-5)
The conditions were very good today and I had enough time to warm up today, too. Yesterday was a bit of a rush. Today was way better and I had the time to warm up a little bit and the weather was better in the morning. Today I missed a couple birdie chances, but I’ll just go for it tomorrow and see what happens.
Poom Saksansin (Tha) Second round 68 (-4), Total 141 (-3)
I don’t know why I cannot play well in the wind. I hope the weather stay like how it was today. Otherwise I’ll be gone with the wind! I can control my ball better when there’s no wind. I’m also putting well. If the winds blows this weekend, I just have to pray to myself!
Leading scores after round 2 of the Fiji International being played at the par 72, 6575 Metres Natadola Bay CGC course (am – denotes amateur):
133 – Ben Campbell (NZL) 67-66.
137 – Andrew Dodt (AUS) 67-70.
138 – Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 70-68, Jarryd Felton (AUS) 67-71.
139 – Nick Voke (NZL) 71-68, Harry Bateman (NZL) 70-69, Ashun Wu (CHN) 70-69, Nicholas Cullen (AUS) 67-72, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 70-69, Steven Jeffress (AUS) 73-66, Jake McLeod (AUS) 72-67.
141 – Justin Harding (RSA) 74-67, Poom Saksansin (THA) 73-68, Travis Smyth (AUS) 71-70, Anthony Quayle (AUS) 75-66, Sam Lee (FIJ) 70-71, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 69-72, Darren Beck (AUS) 71-70, Maverick Antcliff (AUS) 69-72.
142 – Marcus Fraser (AUS) 73-69, Gavin Green (MAS) 72-70, James Marchesani (AUS) 72-70, Ernie Els (RSA) 72-70.
143 – Mark Brown (NZL) 75-68, Scott Strange (AUS) 74-69, Richard Green (AUS) 76-67, Rhein Gibson (AUS) 73-70, Andrew Martin (AUS) 72-71.
144 – Stephen Leaney (AUS) 69-75, Michael Hendry (NZL) 73-71, Matthew Perry (NZL) 73-71, Max McCardle (AUS) 73-71, Deyen Lawson (AUS) 73-71, Matthew Millar (AUS) 71-73, Dale Brandt-Richards (AUS) 72-72, Cameron John (AUS) 73-71.
145 – Damien Jordan (AUS) 75-70, Yanwei Liu (CHN) 74-71, Benjamin Clementson (AUS) 76-69, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 77-68, Lucas Herbert (AUS) 70-75, Yikeun Chang (KOR) 72-73.
146 – Bowen Xiao (CHN) 74-72, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 72-74, Johannes Veerman (USA) 72-74, Aaron Pike (AUS) 73-73, Prom Meesawat (THA) 75-71, Daniel Gale (AUS) 76-70, Nick Flanagan (AUS) 74-72, Justin Walters (RSA) 70-76.
147 – Harrison Endycott (AUS) 75-72, Scott Vincent (ZIM) 76-71, Thitiphun Chuayprakong (THA) 75-72, James Nitties (AUS) 74-73, Ryan Chisnall (NZL) 74-73, Matt Stieger (AUS) 72-75, Kieran Muir (NZL) 72-75, Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND) 73-74, Soomin Lee (KOR) 77-70, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 79-68, Adam Blyth (AUS) 74-73, Jake Higginbottom (AUS) 74-73, John Catlin (USA) 75-72.
Selected scores
148 – Jason Norris (AUS) 72-76, Vijay Singh (FIJ) 76-72
*+4 (148) was the final cut, 71 players made the cut
Ends.
Fiji, August 3: New Zealand’s Ben Campbell swept aside his closest rivals by firing a six-under-par 66 to surge to the top of the leaderboard after the early second round of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Friday.
Campell held a share of the overnight lead after opening with a 67 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.
The New Zealander showed his intent to break clear of the tight leaderboard by charging towards the turn in 33 with three birdies.
He then moved further ahead by snaring four more birdies on holes 11, 12, 14 and 17 before dropping his only shot of the day on the closing 18 for a two-day total of 11-under-par 133.
"I played really well out there. I got off to a nice start, which was good. I didn’t hit really too many bad shots out there. The putter was feeling good, I chipped it well, and yeah, it was just keeping the ball in play, so I couldn’t complain much," said Campbell.
China’s Wu Ashun overcame his early tournament jitters by making his move with a 69 which was highlighted by an eagle three on 17 to stay six shots back of Campbell at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.
“The conditions were very good today and I had enough time to warm up today, too. Yesterday was a bit of a rush.
“Today was way better and I had the time to warm up a little bit and the weather was better in the morning. Today I missed a couple birdie chances, but I’ll just go for it tomorrow and see what happens,” said the Chinese.
Ends.
Fiji, August 2: Australia’s Andrew Dodt, who is seeking his first Asian Tour win since 2015, got off to a flier by posting a five-under-par 67 to grab a share of the first round lead with compatriots Ben Campbell, Jarryd Felton and Nicholas Cullen on a wind-swept day at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Thursday.
Playing under blustery conditions at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, the 32-year-old Australian enjoyed a bogey-free round where he marked his card with three birdies and an eagle before setting the opening pace with Felton and Cullen in the morning.
Campbell, who teed off in the back-nine 10, seemed poised to take the outright lead after firing birdies on six and seven but could not break away from the clubhouse leaders after closing with two straight pars.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar stayed close to the Australians leaders by returning with a 70 to ensure he remains in the mix as he chases his ninth Asian Tour title at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.
The Indian is bunched in equal eighth place together with China’s Wu Ashun, South Africa’s Justin Walters, Fiji’s Sam Lee and Australians Terry Pilkadaris and Lucas Herbert.
Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa and Malaysia’s Gavin Green both signed for a 72 to trail the leaders by five shots with both believing the contest is far from over as they look to renew their title charge on Friday.
Did you know?
- Andrew Dodt’s last win on the Asian Tour came at True Thailand Classic in Hua Hin, Thailand in 2015.
- The Australian made his breakthrough on the Asian Tour in 2010 when he won the inaugural Avantha Masters, co-sanctioned with the European Tour, in India.
- Dodt has a solid record as an amateur that includes wins in Australia, Chinese Taipei (Nomura Cup) and Malaysia
- He also finished runner-up at the New Zealand Amateur Open in 2006.
- Gaganjeet Bhullar is an eight-time winner on the Asian Tour. He claimed his eighth victory at the Macao Open last year and became the youngest player to win eight titles on the region’s premier Tour.
- Bhullar endured another missed opportunity for his ninth Asian Tour win at the Queen’s Cup last month. He also came close at the Maekyung Open in Korea in May but settled for a share of second place after he was defeated in the play-off.
Players Quotes
Andrew Dodt (Aus) First round 67 (-5)
It was very tough, very windy and I had to control my ball. So my course management was a big factor. It was a really, really solid round. The last six months haven’t been that great, so it’s been nice to be in this position. I haven’t been able to put four rounds together. I’ve put rounds together here and there, so today was a step in the right direction. That’s one with three to go. I feel like the tee shots and second shots are most of the shots I’ve got a good eye for, and the greens roll lovely. So all in all, what a great background, great setting, so it’s hard not to like Fiji. It’s certainly a solid round to start with, so I’ve just got to keep doing what I did today and keep building on that. I imagine it will be as windy again, so as I said yesterday, you’ve got to control your ball around here, so that will be the goal again. It’s easy to drop shots, so bogey free was a bonus.
Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) First round 70 (-2)
It was a good round of golf. I think I gave myself a lot of opportunities. It was quite windy in the morning but I managed to keep my ball in play. I hit about 13 greens in regulation today. So it was a good, solid round of golf. I don’t think anything’s missing in my game. I just need to have more patience and some more maturity towards my weekend rounds. Apart from that, it has been a solid season so far. I think the key would be that I’m keeping the ball in play, like I remember even last week and in Malaysia, I only missed probably about six or seven fairways in two tournaments. So as long as the ball is in play, you’re giving yourself birdie opportunities. I just to keep on doing what I’ve been doing and everything will click, it’s just a matter of time. I need to be more aggressive. So that’s what I’ve been struggling with lately. I think that experience will help me to get back to my winning situation next time. So point is, as I said, the goal is just to try and do what I’ve been doing the last few tournaments.
Ernie Els (Rsa) First round 72 (Even)
It was pretty tough this morning. I was hoping for good weather as I feel a little uncomfortable when the wind’s blowing. I missed probably three short putts, but other than that, it’s a pretty good day. I was thinking of shooting anything around par this morning, the way it was blowing, it was going to be okay. There are holes where you can score, and as I said, I missed the short little putts which probably blemished my card a little bit. I’m not out of it, but I’ve got to start stepping on it a bit going forward.
Gavin Green (Mas) First round 72 (Even)
It was a bit of a grind as the wind was up early and it kind of stayed there the whole time. It was tough as we didn’t expect it to be up so early. I had some looks for birdie but couldn’t really capitalize on them. But I still managed to hit it okay and there were a couple of miss shots which led to bogeys. I’m okay with playing in the wind but I just hit a couple of bad shots which I hope to correct tomorrow.
Leading scores after round 1 of the Fiji International being played at the par 72, 6575 Metres Natadola Bay CGC course (am – denotes amateur):
67 – Nicholas Cullen (AUS), Jarryd Felton (AUS), Andrew Dodt (AUS), Ben Campbell (NZL).
69 – Matthew Griffin (AUS), Maverick Antcliff (AUS), Stephen Leaney (AUS).
70 – Terry Pilkadaris (AUS), Sam Lee (FIJ), Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), Lucas Herbert (AUS), Justin Walters (RSA), Ashun Wu (CHN), Harry Bateman (NZL).
71 – Travis Smyth (AUS), Darren Beck (AUS), Matthew Millar (AUS), Nick Voke (NZL).
72 – Daniel Nisbet (AUS), James Marchesani (AUS), Gavin Green (MAS), Dale Brandt-Richards (AUS), Ernie Els (RSA), Jake McLeod (AUS), Yikeun Chang (KOR), Andrew Martin (AUS), Jason Norris (AUS), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA), Matt Stieger (AUS), Kieran Muir (NZL), Johannes Veerman (USA), Hung Chien-yao (TPE).
73 – Max McCardle (AUS), Cory Crawford (AUS), Rhein Gibson (AUS), Deyen Lawson (AUS), Josh Younger (AUS), Steven Jeffress (AUS), Cameron John (AUS), Brad Moules (AUS), Michael Wright (AUS), Alejandro Canizares (ESP), Michael Hendry (NZL), Marcus Fraser (AUS), Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND), Poom Saksansin (THA), Matthew Perry (NZL), Aaron Pike (AUS).
74 – Scott Strange (AUS), Adam Blyth (AUS), Jake Higginbottom (AUS), Callan O’Reilly (AUS), Nick Flanagan (AUS), Matt Jager (AUS), James Nitties (AUS), Ben Eccles (AUS), Dinesh Chand (FIJ), Bowen Xiao (CHN), Ryan Chisnall (NZL), Justin Harding (RSA), Lu Wei-chih (TPE), Yanwei Liu (CHN).
Ends.
Singapore, August 1: The 2019 SMBC Singapore Open will be played from January 17 to 20 and it will once again be the opening event on the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation.
The US$1 million jointly sanctioned tournament, won by Spanish star Sergio Garcia at the start of this year, will be played on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club – the event’s traditional home since 2005.
And for the third successive season the event will be part of The Open Qualifying Series. As was the case this year, the leading four non-exempt players will secure their places for the 148th Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, in Northern Ireland, July18-21.
“Traditionally it is that time of year for us to confirm the dates for our national Open and we are delighted that it will once again start the season for the region’s two main Tours: the Asian and Japan Tours,” said Ross Tan, President of the Singapore Golf Association.
“Next year will be the 53rd Singapore Open and we will announce the line-up of star players in due course. Importantly, we are able to confirm today the SMBC Singapore Open will be part of The Open Qualifying Series ― a tremendous attribute that provides our tournament with global exposure.”
American Sean Crocker, Lucas Herbert from Australia and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and Danthai Boonma, were the four players who qualified for the Open at Carnoustie two weeks ago via January’s SMBC Singapore Open. Both Crocker and Herbert survived the halfway cut.
“The SMBC Singapore Open has been a key tournament in Asia for our Open Qualifying Series. It first became part of the series in 2017 and the R&A are thrilled that it will once again be part of the schedule next year,” said Dominic Wall, Director Asia Pacific, The R&A.
Places in the starting field at next year’s Open will be even for more sought after as it will be only the second time in the Open’s more than 150-year history that it will be played outside of Scotland and England, and the tournament is expected to be the biggest sporting event ever held in Northern Ireland.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
Pattaya, July 29: Justin Harding of South Africa cruised to a six-shot victory at the Royal Cup to become the first player since 2011 to win back-to-back titles on the Asian Tour on Sunday.
The in-form Harding fired a three-under-par 67 in the final round of the US$500,000 Asian Tour event. With a winning total of 14-under-par 266, Harding became the first player to win twice in his first two starts in Asia.
The 32-year-old, won the BANK BRI Indonesia Open two weeks ago, took home the winner’s purse of US$90,000 while earning his fourth title in a span of two months at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.
Defending champion Shiv Kapur of India battled to a 71 to share second place with Australia’s Jake McLeod (67), Kurt Kitayama (67) of the United States and Chapchai Nirat, who finished as the highest ranked local player following a 68.
The Royal Cup is held in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who celebrated his 66th birthday yesterday.
Did you know?
- Justin Harding is the first player to win two straight titles in his first two appearances in Asia. He won the BANK BRI Indonesia Open two weeks ago as a sponsor’s invite and immediately took up membership on the Asian Tour.
- His win at the Royal Cup marks his fourth victory in 2018, two of which were won on the Sunshine Tour. He also leads on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit.
- With this win, Harding moves to 13th place on the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings.
- He also broke the Thais stranglehold in Asian Tour events held in the country. The last two Asian Tour events in Thailand were won by Panuphol Pittayarat and Jazz Janewattananond.
- Harding mixed his card with seven birdies against two bogeys and one double bogey. His lead was never threatened on the last day.
- After his win in Indonesia, Harding flew back to play in Kenya and finished in tied-18th place, before flying back to Asia to compete at the Royal Cup.
- Harding found 10 greens and 10 fairways in his final round of 67. He amassed a total of 24 putts.
- Shiv Kapur hit nine fairways and only missed four greens.
- This is Kapur’s first top-10 finish on the Asian Tour for the season since winning the Royal Cup in 2017.
- Kapur is currently 39th on the Habitat for Humanity standings. He finished 10th on the Order of Merit in 2017 following his win at the Royal Cup.
- Kurt Kitayama came through Asian Tour Qualifying School this year to earn his Tour card for the season.
- Kitayama had an incredible start to the season earning his first professional win at the PGM Darulaman Championship which was also a wire-to-wire win.
- This would be his best finish on the Asian Tour since March where he finished tied-fourth at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open.
- This is Chapchai’s fourth top-10 result this year following a tied-third finish at the Bank BRI Indonesia Open a fortnight ago.
- Jake McLeod enjoyed his best finish, tied-second, on the Asian Tour this week.
Player’s quotes:
Justin Harding (Rsa) – Fourth Round 67 (-3), Total 266 (-14)
It’s been a good little run, I can’t really put into words right now. Two weeks ago it was a surprise, but obviously been playing nicely, just tried to get three good rounds starting the week and put myself fin position and then get the job done. I played pretty solidly yesterday it was a strange round of golf. I made a couple more putts today which helped.
I had my eyes on the leaderboard the whole time and saw the guys catching up. I feel like I have a little bit more control that way. I felt pretty good with my game the entire week and I wasn’t making too any mistakes. On hole 13 I hit a poor shot that made it a bit interesting but I held my composure and made a great birdie on 15 which was a tough hole.
Haven’t had a five-shot lead on the last hole before and I may have been a little too casual on my last tee shot but that’s why I got my nickname.
I’m enjoying this run right now. The courses out here in Asia allow me to play strategically and im benefitting so I don’t find that I am trying too hard and just letting it come to me.
Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Fourth Round 71 (+1), Total 272 (-8)
I’m disappointed obviously. Around the turn I played poorly and made a bad decision on the ninth hole in my second shot and then ended making double bogey and carried on the frustration to make bogey on the next hole.
So that’s when I lost the tournament and played myself out of it but I’m proud with the way I came back from that despite being completely out of sorts I managed to fight back and finish second.
Every time you’re defending a title you want to defend it well and I think I can be pretty proud of the way I came and played this week.
I haven’t been able to play with my injuries and I haven’t been able to play the kind of schedule I wanted to. I’m glad I had a week to get the rest I needed.
The idea is to take the momentum forward and kick on like how I did last season. So I am hoping this will spur me on and bring me more success in the second half.
Chapchai Nirat (Tha) – Fourth Round 68 (-2), Total 272 (-8)
Today I hit everything good, but the only mistake would be hole nine, I hit my three-wood into the bunker and had an uphill lie so I had to lay-up my second shot and just two-putt for double bogey.
I putted really bad this week I think I missed a lot of short putts.I think my game plan really worked this week. I didn’t think much at all and I was just hitting it and not thinking.
Two years ago, I didn’t feel good about playing golf but this year was a turnaround for me I feel more positive.I worked with my coach Lakchai and we have been working hard on my swing all year. Now I feel so confident over the ball and my game is starting to come together.
Jake McLeod (Aus) – Fourth Round 67 (-3), Total 272 (-8)
It has been a great week for me, sweated it out but I played pretty solidly this week. I never expected to so that well, had my eye on the leaderboard once or twice.
I knew I was never going to be close, Justin is just playing really well and has a five-shot lead so it’s been hard to catch that. Putting has been the best part for me this week but my ball striking has improved a lot too this week which helped on this course.
I’m from Townsville so I’m pretty used to the heat. I’m playing well right now and my goal was to try and secure an Asian Tour card but missed out at Qualifying School so I only have conditional status. So, this is my fourth event and I am heading to Fiji next week so I am hoping I can use that to get another good result there.
Kurt Kitayama (Usa) – Fourth Round 67 (-3) , Total 272 (-8)
Overall my week was pretty great, a top-10 finish is always nice and being under-par on the weekend finally is a huge step since I have had a bit of trouble doing well on the weekend for the past couple of tournaments.
I’ve been getting a lot of playing opportunities on the Asian Tour and I see myself improving each week which is a positive. I know its hard for the qualifying school guys to get starts so im taking advantage of the starts that I do get.
I did well in the weekend rounds in China before I came here. So, to finally get a good finish on the Asian Tour is great. My goal would just be to lock in my card for next season.
Scores after round 4 of the Royal Cup 2018 being played at the par 70, 6716 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):
266 – Justin HARDING (RSA) 64-64-71-67.
272 – Jake MCLEOD (AUS) 70-64-71-67, Kurt KITAYAMA (USA) 68-70-67-67, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-69-67-68, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 66-68-67-71.
274 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 71-69-68-66, Atiruj WINAICHAROENCHAI (THA) 70-68-70-66, Dale BRANDT-RICHARDS (AUS) 70-70-66-68, Naoto NAKANISHI (JPN) 64-69-70-71.
275 – Johannes VEERMAN (USA) 71-68-72-64, John CATLIN (USA) 67-72-67-69, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 71-65-69-70, Jarin TODD (USA) 66-67-69-73.
276 – Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 72-70-67-67, Viraj MADAPPA (IND) 70-69-69-68, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 72-69-66-69, Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-69-69-71, Travis SMYTH (AUS) 68-68-69-71, Josh YOUNGER (AUS) 65-69-70-72, LIU Yanwei (CHN) 68-66-70-72, Mark BROWN (NZL) 67-68-68-73.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
St. Andrews, Scotland, July 29: Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant fired a three-under-par 69 to surge back into contention in the third round of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex on Saturday.
Compatriot Prayad Marksaeng carded his third consecutive 70 to share sixth place with him on a six-under-par 210 total.
Fiji’s Vijay Singh, an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, is tied-18th following a disappointing 75 at the Old Course at St. Andrews.
Thaworn, a former Asian Tour number one, marked his card with four birdies, one eagle on hole 10 and three bogeys, to move up 20 spots and three shots behind Miguel Ángel Jiménez who leads on a 207-total following a 72.
Meanwhile at the Porsche European Open in Germany, Australia’s Scott Hend fired a three-under-par 69 to take tied-sixth at the Green Eagle Golf Course.
Hend traded five birdies against two bogeys to share tied-sixth on 208 with Japan’s Hideto Tanihara (71) and Jeunghun Wang (72).
Ends.
Pattaya, Thailand, July 28: Overnight leader Justin Harding of South Africa battled to a one-over-par 71 to stay atop the leaderboard following the penultimate round of the Royal Cup 2018 on Saturday.
The 32-year-old Harding reeled in 17 straight pars before dropping his first bogey of the week on the 54th hole, reducing his overnight lead to two after compiling a three-day total of 11-under-par 199 at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.
Defending Champion Shiv Kapur of India propelled into solo second with a 67 while American Jarin Todd posted a 69 to stay three shots off the pace at the US$500,000 event.
Harding who won his first Asian Tour start at the Bank BRI Indonesia Open two weeks ago, rued a cold putter and a wayward tee shot on the last which resulted in his only blemish this week. The South African, however, took pride in his battling performance as he continues to chase for back-to-back wins on the region’s premier Tour.
The Royal Cup is held in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who celebrates his 66th birthday today.
Did you know?
- Justin Harding only made one bogey in his last 54 holes.
- He hit 12 fairways and made 15 greens but struggled with his putter today with 34 putts in his third round.
- The Royal Cup is Harding’s first professional tournament in the Kingdom.
- Shiv Kapur hit 11 fairways and greens in round three.
- Kapur ended an 11-year and four months wait for a second Asian Tour title at the 2017 Yeangder Heritage in Chinese Taipei. He added two more victories that year including the Royal Cup in 2017.
- He is looking to defend his title successfully for the first time in his career.
- Jarin Todd sits in 27th place on the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
- Todd has his friend Tyler on his bag this week. They grew up playing golf together at his home course in San Diego.
- Todd played college golf at Sonoma State University where he earned First Team All-American in 2007 and 2008.
- Todd was born in San Diego, California but currently resides in Hua Hin, Thailand.
Player’s quotes:
Justin Harding (Rsa) – Third Round 71 (+1), Total 199 (-11)
It was a strange day honestly. Didn’t enjoy making bogey on the last hole but I played solid. Can’t complain about the way I hit it today guess I was just unlucky today. Hit a couple of bad putts on the back nine but I was never in trouble ever throughout the round.
It’s weird to say this but I am actually happy the bogey came because I would’ve actually liked to get the bogey towards the start of the round just to get it out of the way but it is what it is. I misjudged the wind and pulled my shot on that hole.
I let everyone back in it. If I played solidly and made a couple of putts I could’ve maybe ran away with it so I will have more work to do tomorrow.
The front nine is awkward so I was pleased to have made that many pars and kept a steady pace.
I battled to read the greens today. I second guessed myself on a lot of holes so if I were to do anything different tomorrow I would just trust my first line and stick to it.
Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Third Round 67 (-3), Total 201 (-9)
It was a pretty good round, conditions were tough with swirly winds and moving in a different direction from the past two rounds.
The greens got firmer and it was tough to hold the ball on the greens and tougher to hole putts.
Nothing much was happening up till hole 14 when I made a good putt to get some momentum going. Had a good chip on hole 16 to make birdie and on 17 I holed a 30-footer for birdie again.
Happy with the way I finished since all the action happened for me on the last five holes. It was just one of those days where you stay patient when the conditions are tough and you get rewarded.
Jarin Todd (Usa) – Third Round 69 (-1), Total 202 (-8)
I didn’t really hit it very well today. But I was scrambling around and made a lot of good up-and-downs. Missed a lot of fairways and greens,
The back nine was so different today because the greens have firmed out. I was struggling make birdies on the first nine.
I missed a lot of birdie opportunities on my first nine. I would like to have been closer to the lead, I’m sure its going to be tough tomorrow and they’re going to put the pins in tough positions.
Chapchai Nirat (Tha) – Third Round 67 (-3), Total 204 (-6)
Today my tee shots helped me a lot and I hit a lot of shots close to the pins. I struggled with the spin on the greens today and I missed a lot of short putts which I am quite disappointed about.
On hole 13 I three-putted and had bogey and on hole 18 I hit two bad shots in a row. But overall I am in a good position and I am happy with how I played considering the wind.
Scores after round 3 of the Royal Cup 2018 being played at the par 70, 6716 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):
199 – Justin HARDING (RSA) 64-64-71.
201 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 66-68-67.
202 – Jarin TODD (USA) 66-67-69.
203 – Mark BROWN (NZL) 67-68-68, Naoto NAKANISHI (JPN) 64-69-70.
204 – Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-69-67, LIU Yanwei (CHN) 68-66-70, Josh YOUNGER (AUS) 65-69-70.
205 – Kurt KITAYAMA (USA) 68-70-67, Travis SMYTH (AUS) 68-68-69, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 71-65-69, Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-69-69, Jake MCLEOD (AUS) 70-64-71, Jack WILSON (AUS) 69-62-74.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
St. Andrews, Scotland, July 28: Fiji’s Vijay Singh shot a three-under-par 69 to take a share of sixth place in the second round of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex, which was suspended due to fading light at the Old Course at St. Andrews on Friday.
Singh, an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, is two shots off the lead on a seven-under-par 137 total, behind clubhouse leader Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiménez who carded a 67.
Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng carded a second round 70 to take a share of 20th place, while first round co-leader Thaworn Wiratchant dropped to 26th-place following a 76.
Starting on the first hole, Singh dropped a shot before recovering with a birdie on hole five for an outward 36. He found some rhythm in his second nine and reeled in three consecutive birdies for an inward 33.
Meanwhile at the Porsche European Open in Germany, Korean Jeunghun Wang moved up to take a share of ninth-place following a seven-under-par 65 in the second round.
Japan’s Hideto Tanihara carded a 70 to share 13th-place on a 139 total with Australia’s Scott Hend at the Green Eagle Golf Course.
Ends.
St. Andrews, Scotland, July 28: Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng carded a two-under-par 70 in the second round of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex, which was suspended due to fading light at the Old Course at St. Andrews on Friday.
Fiji’s Vijay Singh, an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, is tied for sixth following a 69, two shots behind clubhouse leader Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiménez who carded a 67.
Prayad, a 10-time Asian Tour winner, dropped a shot on his third hole but recovered quickly with an eagle on the fifth followed by a birdie on hole nine for an outward 34. He posted nine straight pars in his second nine for an inward 36 to take a share of 20th place.
First round co-leader, Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, dropped to 26th-place following a 76.
Meanwhile at the Porsche European Open in Germany, Korean Jeunghun Wang moved up to take a share of ninth-place following a seven-under-par 65 in the second round.
Japan’s Hideto Tanihara carded a 70 to share 13th-place on a 139 total with Australia’s Scott Hend at the Green Eagle Golf Course.
Ends.
Pattaya, Thailand, July 27: South Africa’s Justin Harding continued his blistering form by carding a second consecutive six-under-par 64 to surge into the halfway lead at the Royal Cup on Friday.
The 32-year-old Harding, who started the round one-shot off the lead, brilliantly stayed bogey-free for the second straight day at the US$500,000 event. He fired another six birdies to lead by three shots on a 12-under-par 128 total at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.
Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate Jack Wilson of Australia recorded his personal best 18-hole score after signing for a scorching 62 to sit in second place on his own.
American Jarin Todd and Japan’s Naoto Nakanishi stayed five shots off the pace in third on matching 133s following respective rounds of 67 and 69 while defending champion Shiv Kapur of India was amongst those bunched a further shot back in fifth following a 68.
Starting from the 10th tee, Harding got off to a flying start with three birdies in his opening five holes before nailing three straight birdies after the turn for another solid round of a 64.
Play was abandoned at 5.41pm local time due to lightning threats. A total of 14 players resumed their second round at 7am on Saturday with the third round starting at 8.25am..
The halfway cut was set at two-over-par 142 with 76 advancing to the weekend rounds.
The Royal Cup is held in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who will be celebrating his 66th birthday on July 28, Saturday.
Did you know?
- Justin Harding found 13 greens and 11 fairways in his second round of 64. He amassed a total of 26 putts.
- Harding graduated from Lamar University in 2008 with a Business degree. His father is in the sales industry and introduced him to the sport.
- Harding is the only player using a long putter this week. He decided to make the switch at the start of the year after watching fellow South African Shaun Norris making putts in the final round of the BMW SA Open 2018.
- Thanks to his accurate drives off the tee, Jack Wilson only missed four fairways in his solid round of 62.
- He came through Asian Tour Qualifying School this year to earn his card for the 2018 season.
- Wilson injured his rib from hitting an errant shot at the range on the first day of the Betagro Championship in May. He was forced to take a four-week layoff from golf before returning to play the Queen’s Cup in June.
- Naoto Nakanishi is playing on a sponsor’s invite this week. He plays regularly on the AbemaTV Tour where he currently ranks 24th on the Order of Merit.
- Nakanishi will be eyeing for his first victory since turning professional in 2010.
- Jarin Todd sits in 27th place on the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
- Todd has his friend Tyler on his bag this week. They grew up playing golf together at his home course in San Diego.
Player’s quotes:
Justin Harding (Rsa) – Second Round 64 (-6), Total 128 (-12)
Got off to a nice fast start again and I thought I did pretty decently on the front nine. Made a couple of putts, a long putt from over 15-feet on hole 10. ‘
The highlight of my round would have to be on hole 1 when I made a putt from over 30-feet. I made two more birdies which brought me to -12 and then I kind of battled through the last six holes.
There were some pretty tough pin positions on that nine which were difficult to get to and I didn’t seem to get anything close enough to make birdies. I managed to make a couple of good par saves after hitting some indifferent shots but I’m happy with the round overall.
I like where I am right now, had my eye on the leader board a couple of times while I was playing. It allows me to know what’s happening and who is catching up.
I felt like I stuck to my game plan for the most part of the day and didn’t quite go for the middle of the green like I used to.
I find the humidity in the morning is bad, the heat just comes and goes depending on how you play. I think when I am playing well I don’t really feel it. If you’re struggling and having to grind then the heat starts to get to you. I just want to keep the bogeys off my card and see if I can continue this run.
Jack Wilson (Aus) – Second Round 62 (-8), Total 131 (-9)
62 is my personal best score and its great to be able to go so low especially with that front nine having a couple of tough holes out there. Especially coming off the last three events where I missed the cut.
Last week I went home and spent some time with my best friend, and got some positive vibes going. Things are turning around; my ball striking has been fantastic and I am hitting my driver well. I drove the green on hole eight to give myself an eagle chance but two-putted to settle for birdie.
I’m hitting driver every chance I get because I’m just confident with my swing right now. I agree that you have to be careful with a lot of the holes out here but if you’re willing to take the risk the reward’s there.
Naoto Nakanishi (Jpn) – Second Round 69 (-1), Total 133 (-7)
I hit everything good today. Every shot was good. I was very unlucky in my first nine. On hole six I three-putted for bogey because my ball caught an unlucky break and bounced away from the pin. Overall it was a good day, just some unlucky shots.
I like this course because of how narrow it is and I enjoy the challenge. I was constantly thinking on every shot and I played smart golf.
Jarin Todd (Usa) – Second Round 67 (-3), Total 133 (-7)
It was a little windy out there and I struggled to get birdies on the back nine because I couldn’t get it close. But I’m happy with a bogey-free round.
I made a couple of good saves to keep it going and made some par putts to stay in position. I only used my driver four times because you don’t really need the distance on this course, just have to land it in the right spot.
Raththee Sirithanakunsak – Second Round 72 (+1), Total 135 (-5)
I played okay overall just for a triple bogey on hole seven. I hit my first shot in the water and missed the green on my second shot. I had a tough lie and could not make an up-and-down.
But I recovered well right after and made birdie from making a putt from off the green.
I am happy with the position I am in and I just want to keep this momentum going. I will keep to my game plan and not thinking about winning yet.
Scores after round 2 of the Royal Cup 2018 being played at the par 70, 6716 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):
128 – Justin HARDING (RSA) 64-64.
131 – Jack WILSON (AUS) 69-62.
133 – Naoto NAKANISHI (JPN) 64-69, Jarin TODD (USA) 66-67.
134 – Ben LEONG (MAS) 66-68, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 66-68, Josh YOUNGER (AUS) 65-69, Jake MCLEOD (AUS) 70-64.
135 – Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA) 63-72, Mark BROWN (NZL) 67-68, Nirun SAE-UENG (THA) 68-67.
136 – Danny CHIA (MAS) 67-69, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 69-67, Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-69, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 70-66, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 71-65, Pol KEMMARAT (THA) 66-70, Travis SMYTH (AUS) 68-68, Seungtaek LEE (KOR) 68-68.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
Campbell sweeps past rivals to lead by four at Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways
By - ocs sport
[addtoany]
Fiji, August 3: New Zealand’s Ben Campbell swept aside his closest rivals by firing a six-under-par 66 to surge to the top of the leaderboard with a four-shot cushion after the second round of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Friday. Campell held a share of the overnight lead after opening with a […]
Fiji, August 3: New Zealand’s Ben Campbell swept aside his closest rivals by firing a six-under-par 66 to surge to the top of the leaderboard with a four-shot cushion after the second round of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Friday.
Campell held a share of the overnight lead after opening with a 67 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course but showed his intent of breaking clear of the tight leaderboard when he charged towards the turn in 33 with three birdies.
He then moved further ahead by snaring four more birdies on holes 11, 12, 14 and 17 before dropping his only shot of the day on the closing 18 for a two-day total of 11-under-par 133.
Australia’s Andrew Dodt, who also opened with a 67 to share pole position after the first round, lost his advantage as he could only settle for a 70 to take second place.
China’s Wu Ashun meanwhile overcame his early tournament jitters by making his move with a 69 which was highlighted by an eagle three on 17 to stay six shots back of Campbell in tied-fifth place.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar made his Fijian debut count with another assured performance by signing for a 69 to share fifth place with Wu as well as the Australian trio of Nicholas Cullen, Steven Jeffress, Jake McLeod and New Zealand’s Nick Voke and Harry Bateman.
Thailand’s Poom Saksansin will meanwhile be hoping for favourable weather as he heads into the weekend round in tied-12 position.
Poom has never been a big fan of playing under blustery conditions and hopes the day’s benign conditions can set him up for another title charge as the weekend round beckons at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.
Did you know?
- A mysterious illness kept Ben Campbell out of the game on and off for more than a year in 2017.
- After graduating from the Asian Tour Qualifying School in January with a tied-seventh finish, Campbell secured his first professional win at the New Zealand PGA Championship the following month in February this year.
- Andrew Dodt is a two-time Asian Tour winner. His last victory on the Tour came at the True Thailand Classic in Thailand in 2015.
- Dodt finished tied-35th at the Fiji International in 2017.
- Wu Ashun only managed to get to the tee box minutes before his tee off time on Thursday as his luggage and golf bag had earlier met with a delay.
- Despite the early hiccups, Wu posted an opening round of 70 which placed him in a share of eighth place after the first round.
- Wu is the second highest ranked Chinese player in the Official World Golf Rankings and is making his second appearance in Fiji.
- Gaganjeet Bhullar claimed his eighth Asian Tour title at the Macao Open last year to become the youngest player to win eight titles on the region’s premier Tour.
- He endured another missed opportunity for his ninth Asian Tour win at the Queen’s Cup last month.
- The Indian also came close at the Maekyung Open in Korea in May but settled for a share of second place after he was defeated in the play-off.
Players Quotes
Ben Campbell (Nzl) Second round 66 (-6), Total 133 (-11)
Yeah, I played really well out there. I got off to a nice start, which was good. I didn’t hit really too many bad shots out there. The putter was feeling good, I chipped it well, and yeah, it was just keeping the ball in play, so I couldn’t complain much. I think this is one of the first few times I’ve ever played it in this kind of conditions. The game plan actually changed a little bit as you were able to have a go at a few flags. I just feel a lot more comfortable out here. There’s obviously a long way to go there. But winning any event would help in some way, whether it’s get your status or secure status or get you into other events and things like that. But yeah, obviously I think the easy part is done, it’s the tough part now to keep going.
Andrew Dodt (Aus) Second round 70 (-2), Total 137 (-7)
I didn’t make a birdie on the back nine, which is a bit frustrating considering that the wind completely dropped and scoring was there to take advantage of. But I’m still in a good position and excited for the weekend. It was a different direction for the first nine holes, but when I put the pins in my yardage box this morning, I thought the pins were quite accessible, so I am quite surprised that no one did go low because it was there for the taking. I probably need to stay aggressive and keep attacking. My nature is a little bit going into a bit of a shell and get a bit defensive, so I really need to keep the foot on the accelerator and keep being aggressive. Ben’s obviously playing well, so he’s going to take a bit of catching, but I can only do my best.
Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) Second round 69 (-3), Total 139 (-5)
I had a shaky start to the round, I started with a bogey and then I had another bogey on three but I made a really good birdie on number two and a great par save on number four. I was struggling with my driving on the first three holes, but after that, I kind of got my momentum and swung the ball really well on the back nine. And, you know, three-under, even though it’s not that great of a round, and there’s still 36 holes to go, I’m in a good position right now. There were tough conditions when we got started and it was not easy to hit the ball that close. Despite the fact, I kept on telling myself to hit a lot of greens in regulation and kept the ball in play pretty much on the back nine. I am enjoying my time in Fiji. Every time I’m here, every third person is calling my surname, calling "bula, bula." It’s very good. My wife is here and we both are enjoying ourselves, having a great time.
Wu Ashun (Chn) Second round 69 (-3), Total 139 (-5)
The conditions were very good today and I had enough time to warm up today, too. Yesterday was a bit of a rush. Today was way better and I had the time to warm up a little bit and the weather was better in the morning. Today I missed a couple birdie chances, but I’ll just go for it tomorrow and see what happens.
Poom Saksansin (Tha) Second round 68 (-4), Total 141 (-3)
I don’t know why I cannot play well in the wind. I hope the weather stay like how it was today. Otherwise I’ll be gone with the wind! I can control my ball better when there’s no wind. I’m also putting well. If the winds blows this weekend, I just have to pray to myself!
Leading scores after round 2 of the Fiji International being played at the par 72, 6575 Metres Natadola Bay CGC course (am – denotes amateur):
133 – Ben Campbell (NZL) 67-66.
137 – Andrew Dodt (AUS) 67-70.
138 – Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 70-68, Jarryd Felton (AUS) 67-71.
139 – Nick Voke (NZL) 71-68, Harry Bateman (NZL) 70-69, Ashun Wu (CHN) 70-69, Nicholas Cullen (AUS) 67-72, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 70-69, Steven Jeffress (AUS) 73-66, Jake McLeod (AUS) 72-67.
141 – Justin Harding (RSA) 74-67, Poom Saksansin (THA) 73-68, Travis Smyth (AUS) 71-70, Anthony Quayle (AUS) 75-66, Sam Lee (FIJ) 70-71, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 69-72, Darren Beck (AUS) 71-70, Maverick Antcliff (AUS) 69-72.
142 – Marcus Fraser (AUS) 73-69, Gavin Green (MAS) 72-70, James Marchesani (AUS) 72-70, Ernie Els (RSA) 72-70.
143 – Mark Brown (NZL) 75-68, Scott Strange (AUS) 74-69, Richard Green (AUS) 76-67, Rhein Gibson (AUS) 73-70, Andrew Martin (AUS) 72-71.
144 – Stephen Leaney (AUS) 69-75, Michael Hendry (NZL) 73-71, Matthew Perry (NZL) 73-71, Max McCardle (AUS) 73-71, Deyen Lawson (AUS) 73-71, Matthew Millar (AUS) 71-73, Dale Brandt-Richards (AUS) 72-72, Cameron John (AUS) 73-71.
145 – Damien Jordan (AUS) 75-70, Yanwei Liu (CHN) 74-71, Benjamin Clementson (AUS) 76-69, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 77-68, Lucas Herbert (AUS) 70-75, Yikeun Chang (KOR) 72-73.
146 – Bowen Xiao (CHN) 74-72, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 72-74, Johannes Veerman (USA) 72-74, Aaron Pike (AUS) 73-73, Prom Meesawat (THA) 75-71, Daniel Gale (AUS) 76-70, Nick Flanagan (AUS) 74-72, Justin Walters (RSA) 70-76.
147 – Harrison Endycott (AUS) 75-72, Scott Vincent (ZIM) 76-71, Thitiphun Chuayprakong (THA) 75-72, James Nitties (AUS) 74-73, Ryan Chisnall (NZL) 74-73, Matt Stieger (AUS) 72-75, Kieran Muir (NZL) 72-75, Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND) 73-74, Soomin Lee (KOR) 77-70, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 79-68, Adam Blyth (AUS) 74-73, Jake Higginbottom (AUS) 74-73, John Catlin (USA) 75-72.
Selected scores
148 – Jason Norris (AUS) 72-76, Vijay Singh (FIJ) 76-72
*+4 (148) was the final cut, 71 players made the cut
Ends.
Fiji, August 3: New Zealand’s Ben Campbell swept aside his closest rivals by firing a six-under-par 66 to surge to the top of the leaderboard after the early second round of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Friday. Campell held a share of the overnight lead after opening with a 67 at the […]
Fiji, August 3: New Zealand’s Ben Campbell swept aside his closest rivals by firing a six-under-par 66 to surge to the top of the leaderboard after the early second round of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Friday.
Campell held a share of the overnight lead after opening with a 67 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.
The New Zealander showed his intent to break clear of the tight leaderboard by charging towards the turn in 33 with three birdies.
He then moved further ahead by snaring four more birdies on holes 11, 12, 14 and 17 before dropping his only shot of the day on the closing 18 for a two-day total of 11-under-par 133.
"I played really well out there. I got off to a nice start, which was good. I didn’t hit really too many bad shots out there. The putter was feeling good, I chipped it well, and yeah, it was just keeping the ball in play, so I couldn’t complain much," said Campbell.
China’s Wu Ashun overcame his early tournament jitters by making his move with a 69 which was highlighted by an eagle three on 17 to stay six shots back of Campbell at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.
“The conditions were very good today and I had enough time to warm up today, too. Yesterday was a bit of a rush.
“Today was way better and I had the time to warm up a little bit and the weather was better in the morning. Today I missed a couple birdie chances, but I’ll just go for it tomorrow and see what happens,” said the Chinese.
Ends.
Fiji, August 2: Australia’s Andrew Dodt, who is seeking his first Asian Tour win since 2015, got off to a flier by posting a five-under-par 67 to grab a share of the first round lead with compatriots Ben Campbell, Jarryd Felton and Nicholas Cullen on a wind-swept day at the Fiji International presented by Fiji […]
Fiji, August 2: Australia’s Andrew Dodt, who is seeking his first Asian Tour win since 2015, got off to a flier by posting a five-under-par 67 to grab a share of the first round lead with compatriots Ben Campbell, Jarryd Felton and Nicholas Cullen on a wind-swept day at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Thursday.
Playing under blustery conditions at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, the 32-year-old Australian enjoyed a bogey-free round where he marked his card with three birdies and an eagle before setting the opening pace with Felton and Cullen in the morning.
Campbell, who teed off in the back-nine 10, seemed poised to take the outright lead after firing birdies on six and seven but could not break away from the clubhouse leaders after closing with two straight pars.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar stayed close to the Australians leaders by returning with a 70 to ensure he remains in the mix as he chases his ninth Asian Tour title at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.
The Indian is bunched in equal eighth place together with China’s Wu Ashun, South Africa’s Justin Walters, Fiji’s Sam Lee and Australians Terry Pilkadaris and Lucas Herbert.
Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa and Malaysia’s Gavin Green both signed for a 72 to trail the leaders by five shots with both believing the contest is far from over as they look to renew their title charge on Friday.
Did you know?
- Andrew Dodt’s last win on the Asian Tour came at True Thailand Classic in Hua Hin, Thailand in 2015.
- The Australian made his breakthrough on the Asian Tour in 2010 when he won the inaugural Avantha Masters, co-sanctioned with the European Tour, in India.
- Dodt has a solid record as an amateur that includes wins in Australia, Chinese Taipei (Nomura Cup) and Malaysia
- He also finished runner-up at the New Zealand Amateur Open in 2006.
- Gaganjeet Bhullar is an eight-time winner on the Asian Tour. He claimed his eighth victory at the Macao Open last year and became the youngest player to win eight titles on the region’s premier Tour.
- Bhullar endured another missed opportunity for his ninth Asian Tour win at the Queen’s Cup last month. He also came close at the Maekyung Open in Korea in May but settled for a share of second place after he was defeated in the play-off.
Players Quotes
Andrew Dodt (Aus) First round 67 (-5)
It was very tough, very windy and I had to control my ball. So my course management was a big factor. It was a really, really solid round. The last six months haven’t been that great, so it’s been nice to be in this position. I haven’t been able to put four rounds together. I’ve put rounds together here and there, so today was a step in the right direction. That’s one with three to go. I feel like the tee shots and second shots are most of the shots I’ve got a good eye for, and the greens roll lovely. So all in all, what a great background, great setting, so it’s hard not to like Fiji. It’s certainly a solid round to start with, so I’ve just got to keep doing what I did today and keep building on that. I imagine it will be as windy again, so as I said yesterday, you’ve got to control your ball around here, so that will be the goal again. It’s easy to drop shots, so bogey free was a bonus.
Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) First round 70 (-2)
It was a good round of golf. I think I gave myself a lot of opportunities. It was quite windy in the morning but I managed to keep my ball in play. I hit about 13 greens in regulation today. So it was a good, solid round of golf. I don’t think anything’s missing in my game. I just need to have more patience and some more maturity towards my weekend rounds. Apart from that, it has been a solid season so far. I think the key would be that I’m keeping the ball in play, like I remember even last week and in Malaysia, I only missed probably about six or seven fairways in two tournaments. So as long as the ball is in play, you’re giving yourself birdie opportunities. I just to keep on doing what I’ve been doing and everything will click, it’s just a matter of time. I need to be more aggressive. So that’s what I’ve been struggling with lately. I think that experience will help me to get back to my winning situation next time. So point is, as I said, the goal is just to try and do what I’ve been doing the last few tournaments.
Ernie Els (Rsa) First round 72 (Even)
It was pretty tough this morning. I was hoping for good weather as I feel a little uncomfortable when the wind’s blowing. I missed probably three short putts, but other than that, it’s a pretty good day. I was thinking of shooting anything around par this morning, the way it was blowing, it was going to be okay. There are holes where you can score, and as I said, I missed the short little putts which probably blemished my card a little bit. I’m not out of it, but I’ve got to start stepping on it a bit going forward.
Gavin Green (Mas) First round 72 (Even)
It was a bit of a grind as the wind was up early and it kind of stayed there the whole time. It was tough as we didn’t expect it to be up so early. I had some looks for birdie but couldn’t really capitalize on them. But I still managed to hit it okay and there were a couple of miss shots which led to bogeys. I’m okay with playing in the wind but I just hit a couple of bad shots which I hope to correct tomorrow.
Leading scores after round 1 of the Fiji International being played at the par 72, 6575 Metres Natadola Bay CGC course (am – denotes amateur):
67 – Nicholas Cullen (AUS), Jarryd Felton (AUS), Andrew Dodt (AUS), Ben Campbell (NZL).
69 – Matthew Griffin (AUS), Maverick Antcliff (AUS), Stephen Leaney (AUS).
70 – Terry Pilkadaris (AUS), Sam Lee (FIJ), Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), Lucas Herbert (AUS), Justin Walters (RSA), Ashun Wu (CHN), Harry Bateman (NZL).
71 – Travis Smyth (AUS), Darren Beck (AUS), Matthew Millar (AUS), Nick Voke (NZL).
72 – Daniel Nisbet (AUS), James Marchesani (AUS), Gavin Green (MAS), Dale Brandt-Richards (AUS), Ernie Els (RSA), Jake McLeod (AUS), Yikeun Chang (KOR), Andrew Martin (AUS), Jason Norris (AUS), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA), Matt Stieger (AUS), Kieran Muir (NZL), Johannes Veerman (USA), Hung Chien-yao (TPE).
73 – Max McCardle (AUS), Cory Crawford (AUS), Rhein Gibson (AUS), Deyen Lawson (AUS), Josh Younger (AUS), Steven Jeffress (AUS), Cameron John (AUS), Brad Moules (AUS), Michael Wright (AUS), Alejandro Canizares (ESP), Michael Hendry (NZL), Marcus Fraser (AUS), Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND), Poom Saksansin (THA), Matthew Perry (NZL), Aaron Pike (AUS).
74 – Scott Strange (AUS), Adam Blyth (AUS), Jake Higginbottom (AUS), Callan O’Reilly (AUS), Nick Flanagan (AUS), Matt Jager (AUS), James Nitties (AUS), Ben Eccles (AUS), Dinesh Chand (FIJ), Bowen Xiao (CHN), Ryan Chisnall (NZL), Justin Harding (RSA), Lu Wei-chih (TPE), Yanwei Liu (CHN).
Ends.
Singapore, August 1: The 2019 SMBC Singapore Open will be played from January 17 to 20 and it will once again be the opening event on the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation. The US$1 million jointly sanctioned tournament, won by Spanish star Sergio Garcia at the start of this year, will be played on […]
Singapore, August 1: The 2019 SMBC Singapore Open will be played from January 17 to 20 and it will once again be the opening event on the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation.
The US$1 million jointly sanctioned tournament, won by Spanish star Sergio Garcia at the start of this year, will be played on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club – the event’s traditional home since 2005.
And for the third successive season the event will be part of The Open Qualifying Series. As was the case this year, the leading four non-exempt players will secure their places for the 148th Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, in Northern Ireland, July18-21.
“Traditionally it is that time of year for us to confirm the dates for our national Open and we are delighted that it will once again start the season for the region’s two main Tours: the Asian and Japan Tours,” said Ross Tan, President of the Singapore Golf Association.
“Next year will be the 53rd Singapore Open and we will announce the line-up of star players in due course. Importantly, we are able to confirm today the SMBC Singapore Open will be part of The Open Qualifying Series ― a tremendous attribute that provides our tournament with global exposure.”
American Sean Crocker, Lucas Herbert from Australia and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and Danthai Boonma, were the four players who qualified for the Open at Carnoustie two weeks ago via January’s SMBC Singapore Open. Both Crocker and Herbert survived the halfway cut.
“The SMBC Singapore Open has been a key tournament in Asia for our Open Qualifying Series. It first became part of the series in 2017 and the R&A are thrilled that it will once again be part of the schedule next year,” said Dominic Wall, Director Asia Pacific, The R&A.
Places in the starting field at next year’s Open will be even for more sought after as it will be only the second time in the Open’s more than 150-year history that it will be played outside of Scotland and England, and the tournament is expected to be the biggest sporting event ever held in Northern Ireland.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
Pattaya, July 29: Justin Harding of South Africa cruised to a six-shot victory at the Royal Cup to become the first player since 2011 to win back-to-back titles on the Asian Tour on Sunday. The in-form Harding fired a three-under-par 67 in the final round of the US$500,000 Asian Tour event. With a winning total of 14-under-par […]
Pattaya, July 29: Justin Harding of South Africa cruised to a six-shot victory at the Royal Cup to become the first player since 2011 to win back-to-back titles on the Asian Tour on Sunday.
The in-form Harding fired a three-under-par 67 in the final round of the US$500,000 Asian Tour event. With a winning total of 14-under-par 266, Harding became the first player to win twice in his first two starts in Asia.
The 32-year-old, won the BANK BRI Indonesia Open two weeks ago, took home the winner’s purse of US$90,000 while earning his fourth title in a span of two months at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.
Defending champion Shiv Kapur of India battled to a 71 to share second place with Australia’s Jake McLeod (67), Kurt Kitayama (67) of the United States and Chapchai Nirat, who finished as the highest ranked local player following a 68.
The Royal Cup is held in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who celebrated his 66th birthday yesterday.
Did you know?
- Justin Harding is the first player to win two straight titles in his first two appearances in Asia. He won the BANK BRI Indonesia Open two weeks ago as a sponsor’s invite and immediately took up membership on the Asian Tour.
- His win at the Royal Cup marks his fourth victory in 2018, two of which were won on the Sunshine Tour. He also leads on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit.
- With this win, Harding moves to 13th place on the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings.
- He also broke the Thais stranglehold in Asian Tour events held in the country. The last two Asian Tour events in Thailand were won by Panuphol Pittayarat and Jazz Janewattananond.
- Harding mixed his card with seven birdies against two bogeys and one double bogey. His lead was never threatened on the last day.
- After his win in Indonesia, Harding flew back to play in Kenya and finished in tied-18th place, before flying back to Asia to compete at the Royal Cup.
- Harding found 10 greens and 10 fairways in his final round of 67. He amassed a total of 24 putts.
- Shiv Kapur hit nine fairways and only missed four greens.
- This is Kapur’s first top-10 finish on the Asian Tour for the season since winning the Royal Cup in 2017.
- Kapur is currently 39th on the Habitat for Humanity standings. He finished 10th on the Order of Merit in 2017 following his win at the Royal Cup.
- Kurt Kitayama came through Asian Tour Qualifying School this year to earn his Tour card for the season.
- Kitayama had an incredible start to the season earning his first professional win at the PGM Darulaman Championship which was also a wire-to-wire win.
- This would be his best finish on the Asian Tour since March where he finished tied-fourth at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open.
- This is Chapchai’s fourth top-10 result this year following a tied-third finish at the Bank BRI Indonesia Open a fortnight ago.
- Jake McLeod enjoyed his best finish, tied-second, on the Asian Tour this week.
Player’s quotes:
Justin Harding (Rsa) – Fourth Round 67 (-3), Total 266 (-14)
It’s been a good little run, I can’t really put into words right now. Two weeks ago it was a surprise, but obviously been playing nicely, just tried to get three good rounds starting the week and put myself fin position and then get the job done. I played pretty solidly yesterday it was a strange round of golf. I made a couple more putts today which helped.
I had my eyes on the leaderboard the whole time and saw the guys catching up. I feel like I have a little bit more control that way. I felt pretty good with my game the entire week and I wasn’t making too any mistakes. On hole 13 I hit a poor shot that made it a bit interesting but I held my composure and made a great birdie on 15 which was a tough hole.
Haven’t had a five-shot lead on the last hole before and I may have been a little too casual on my last tee shot but that’s why I got my nickname.
I’m enjoying this run right now. The courses out here in Asia allow me to play strategically and im benefitting so I don’t find that I am trying too hard and just letting it come to me.
Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Fourth Round 71 (+1), Total 272 (-8)
I’m disappointed obviously. Around the turn I played poorly and made a bad decision on the ninth hole in my second shot and then ended making double bogey and carried on the frustration to make bogey on the next hole.
So that’s when I lost the tournament and played myself out of it but I’m proud with the way I came back from that despite being completely out of sorts I managed to fight back and finish second.
Every time you’re defending a title you want to defend it well and I think I can be pretty proud of the way I came and played this week.
I haven’t been able to play with my injuries and I haven’t been able to play the kind of schedule I wanted to. I’m glad I had a week to get the rest I needed.
The idea is to take the momentum forward and kick on like how I did last season. So I am hoping this will spur me on and bring me more success in the second half.
Chapchai Nirat (Tha) – Fourth Round 68 (-2), Total 272 (-8)
Today I hit everything good, but the only mistake would be hole nine, I hit my three-wood into the bunker and had an uphill lie so I had to lay-up my second shot and just two-putt for double bogey.
I putted really bad this week I think I missed a lot of short putts.I think my game plan really worked this week. I didn’t think much at all and I was just hitting it and not thinking.
Two years ago, I didn’t feel good about playing golf but this year was a turnaround for me I feel more positive.I worked with my coach Lakchai and we have been working hard on my swing all year. Now I feel so confident over the ball and my game is starting to come together.
Jake McLeod (Aus) – Fourth Round 67 (-3), Total 272 (-8)
It has been a great week for me, sweated it out but I played pretty solidly this week. I never expected to so that well, had my eye on the leaderboard once or twice.
I knew I was never going to be close, Justin is just playing really well and has a five-shot lead so it’s been hard to catch that. Putting has been the best part for me this week but my ball striking has improved a lot too this week which helped on this course.
I’m from Townsville so I’m pretty used to the heat. I’m playing well right now and my goal was to try and secure an Asian Tour card but missed out at Qualifying School so I only have conditional status. So, this is my fourth event and I am heading to Fiji next week so I am hoping I can use that to get another good result there.
Kurt Kitayama (Usa) – Fourth Round 67 (-3) , Total 272 (-8)
Overall my week was pretty great, a top-10 finish is always nice and being under-par on the weekend finally is a huge step since I have had a bit of trouble doing well on the weekend for the past couple of tournaments.
I’ve been getting a lot of playing opportunities on the Asian Tour and I see myself improving each week which is a positive. I know its hard for the qualifying school guys to get starts so im taking advantage of the starts that I do get.
I did well in the weekend rounds in China before I came here. So, to finally get a good finish on the Asian Tour is great. My goal would just be to lock in my card for next season.
Scores after round 4 of the Royal Cup 2018 being played at the par 70, 6716 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):
266 – Justin HARDING (RSA) 64-64-71-67.
272 – Jake MCLEOD (AUS) 70-64-71-67, Kurt KITAYAMA (USA) 68-70-67-67, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-69-67-68, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 66-68-67-71.
274 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 71-69-68-66, Atiruj WINAICHAROENCHAI (THA) 70-68-70-66, Dale BRANDT-RICHARDS (AUS) 70-70-66-68, Naoto NAKANISHI (JPN) 64-69-70-71.
275 – Johannes VEERMAN (USA) 71-68-72-64, John CATLIN (USA) 67-72-67-69, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 71-65-69-70, Jarin TODD (USA) 66-67-69-73.
276 – Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 72-70-67-67, Viraj MADAPPA (IND) 70-69-69-68, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 72-69-66-69, Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-69-69-71, Travis SMYTH (AUS) 68-68-69-71, Josh YOUNGER (AUS) 65-69-70-72, LIU Yanwei (CHN) 68-66-70-72, Mark BROWN (NZL) 67-68-68-73.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
St. Andrews, Scotland, July 29: Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant fired a three-under-par 69 to surge back into contention in the third round of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex on Saturday. Compatriot Prayad Marksaeng carded his third consecutive 70 to share sixth place with him on a six-under-par 210 total. Fiji’s Vijay Singh, an Honorary Member […]
St. Andrews, Scotland, July 29: Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant fired a three-under-par 69 to surge back into contention in the third round of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex on Saturday.
Compatriot Prayad Marksaeng carded his third consecutive 70 to share sixth place with him on a six-under-par 210 total.
Fiji’s Vijay Singh, an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, is tied-18th following a disappointing 75 at the Old Course at St. Andrews.
Thaworn, a former Asian Tour number one, marked his card with four birdies, one eagle on hole 10 and three bogeys, to move up 20 spots and three shots behind Miguel Ángel Jiménez who leads on a 207-total following a 72.
Meanwhile at the Porsche European Open in Germany, Australia’s Scott Hend fired a three-under-par 69 to take tied-sixth at the Green Eagle Golf Course.
Hend traded five birdies against two bogeys to share tied-sixth on 208 with Japan’s Hideto Tanihara (71) and Jeunghun Wang (72).
Ends.
Pattaya, Thailand, July 28: Overnight leader Justin Harding of South Africa battled to a one-over-par 71 to stay atop the leaderboard following the penultimate round of the Royal Cup 2018 on Saturday. The 32-year-old Harding reeled in 17 straight pars before dropping his first bogey of the week on the 54th hole, reducing his overnight lead […]
Pattaya, Thailand, July 28: Overnight leader Justin Harding of South Africa battled to a one-over-par 71 to stay atop the leaderboard following the penultimate round of the Royal Cup 2018 on Saturday.
The 32-year-old Harding reeled in 17 straight pars before dropping his first bogey of the week on the 54th hole, reducing his overnight lead to two after compiling a three-day total of 11-under-par 199 at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.
Defending Champion Shiv Kapur of India propelled into solo second with a 67 while American Jarin Todd posted a 69 to stay three shots off the pace at the US$500,000 event.
Harding who won his first Asian Tour start at the Bank BRI Indonesia Open two weeks ago, rued a cold putter and a wayward tee shot on the last which resulted in his only blemish this week. The South African, however, took pride in his battling performance as he continues to chase for back-to-back wins on the region’s premier Tour.
The Royal Cup is held in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who celebrates his 66th birthday today.
Did you know?
- Justin Harding only made one bogey in his last 54 holes.
- He hit 12 fairways and made 15 greens but struggled with his putter today with 34 putts in his third round.
- The Royal Cup is Harding’s first professional tournament in the Kingdom.
- Shiv Kapur hit 11 fairways and greens in round three.
- Kapur ended an 11-year and four months wait for a second Asian Tour title at the 2017 Yeangder Heritage in Chinese Taipei. He added two more victories that year including the Royal Cup in 2017.
- He is looking to defend his title successfully for the first time in his career.
- Jarin Todd sits in 27th place on the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
- Todd has his friend Tyler on his bag this week. They grew up playing golf together at his home course in San Diego.
- Todd played college golf at Sonoma State University where he earned First Team All-American in 2007 and 2008.
- Todd was born in San Diego, California but currently resides in Hua Hin, Thailand.
Player’s quotes:
Justin Harding (Rsa) – Third Round 71 (+1), Total 199 (-11)
It was a strange day honestly. Didn’t enjoy making bogey on the last hole but I played solid. Can’t complain about the way I hit it today guess I was just unlucky today. Hit a couple of bad putts on the back nine but I was never in trouble ever throughout the round.
It’s weird to say this but I am actually happy the bogey came because I would’ve actually liked to get the bogey towards the start of the round just to get it out of the way but it is what it is. I misjudged the wind and pulled my shot on that hole.
I let everyone back in it. If I played solidly and made a couple of putts I could’ve maybe ran away with it so I will have more work to do tomorrow.
The front nine is awkward so I was pleased to have made that many pars and kept a steady pace.
I battled to read the greens today. I second guessed myself on a lot of holes so if I were to do anything different tomorrow I would just trust my first line and stick to it.
Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Third Round 67 (-3), Total 201 (-9)
It was a pretty good round, conditions were tough with swirly winds and moving in a different direction from the past two rounds.
The greens got firmer and it was tough to hold the ball on the greens and tougher to hole putts.
Nothing much was happening up till hole 14 when I made a good putt to get some momentum going. Had a good chip on hole 16 to make birdie and on 17 I holed a 30-footer for birdie again.
Happy with the way I finished since all the action happened for me on the last five holes. It was just one of those days where you stay patient when the conditions are tough and you get rewarded.
Jarin Todd (Usa) – Third Round 69 (-1), Total 202 (-8)
I didn’t really hit it very well today. But I was scrambling around and made a lot of good up-and-downs. Missed a lot of fairways and greens,
The back nine was so different today because the greens have firmed out. I was struggling make birdies on the first nine.
I missed a lot of birdie opportunities on my first nine. I would like to have been closer to the lead, I’m sure its going to be tough tomorrow and they’re going to put the pins in tough positions.
Chapchai Nirat (Tha) – Third Round 67 (-3), Total 204 (-6)
Today my tee shots helped me a lot and I hit a lot of shots close to the pins. I struggled with the spin on the greens today and I missed a lot of short putts which I am quite disappointed about.
On hole 13 I three-putted and had bogey and on hole 18 I hit two bad shots in a row. But overall I am in a good position and I am happy with how I played considering the wind.
Scores after round 3 of the Royal Cup 2018 being played at the par 70, 6716 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):
199 – Justin HARDING (RSA) 64-64-71.
201 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 66-68-67.
202 – Jarin TODD (USA) 66-67-69.
203 – Mark BROWN (NZL) 67-68-68, Naoto NAKANISHI (JPN) 64-69-70.
204 – Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-69-67, LIU Yanwei (CHN) 68-66-70, Josh YOUNGER (AUS) 65-69-70.
205 – Kurt KITAYAMA (USA) 68-70-67, Travis SMYTH (AUS) 68-68-69, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 71-65-69, Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-69-69, Jake MCLEOD (AUS) 70-64-71, Jack WILSON (AUS) 69-62-74.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
St. Andrews, Scotland, July 28: Fiji’s Vijay Singh shot a three-under-par 69 to take a share of sixth place in the second round of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex, which was suspended due to fading light at the Old Course at St. Andrews on Friday. Singh, an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, is […]
St. Andrews, Scotland, July 28: Fiji’s Vijay Singh shot a three-under-par 69 to take a share of sixth place in the second round of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex, which was suspended due to fading light at the Old Course at St. Andrews on Friday.
Singh, an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, is two shots off the lead on a seven-under-par 137 total, behind clubhouse leader Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiménez who carded a 67.
Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng carded a second round 70 to take a share of 20th place, while first round co-leader Thaworn Wiratchant dropped to 26th-place following a 76.
Starting on the first hole, Singh dropped a shot before recovering with a birdie on hole five for an outward 36. He found some rhythm in his second nine and reeled in three consecutive birdies for an inward 33.
Meanwhile at the Porsche European Open in Germany, Korean Jeunghun Wang moved up to take a share of ninth-place following a seven-under-par 65 in the second round.
Japan’s Hideto Tanihara carded a 70 to share 13th-place on a 139 total with Australia’s Scott Hend at the Green Eagle Golf Course.
Ends.
St. Andrews, Scotland, July 28: Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng carded a two-under-par 70 in the second round of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex, which was suspended due to fading light at the Old Course at St. Andrews on Friday. Fiji’s Vijay Singh, an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, is tied for sixth following a […]
St. Andrews, Scotland, July 28: Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng carded a two-under-par 70 in the second round of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex, which was suspended due to fading light at the Old Course at St. Andrews on Friday.
Fiji’s Vijay Singh, an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, is tied for sixth following a 69, two shots behind clubhouse leader Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiménez who carded a 67.
Prayad, a 10-time Asian Tour winner, dropped a shot on his third hole but recovered quickly with an eagle on the fifth followed by a birdie on hole nine for an outward 34. He posted nine straight pars in his second nine for an inward 36 to take a share of 20th place.
First round co-leader, Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, dropped to 26th-place following a 76.
Meanwhile at the Porsche European Open in Germany, Korean Jeunghun Wang moved up to take a share of ninth-place following a seven-under-par 65 in the second round.
Japan’s Hideto Tanihara carded a 70 to share 13th-place on a 139 total with Australia’s Scott Hend at the Green Eagle Golf Course.
Ends.
Pattaya, Thailand, July 27: South Africa’s Justin Harding continued his blistering form by carding a second consecutive six-under-par 64 to surge into the halfway lead at the Royal Cup on Friday. The 32-year-old Harding, who started the round one-shot off the lead, brilliantly stayed bogey-free for the second straight day at the US$500,000 event. He […]
Pattaya, Thailand, July 27: South Africa’s Justin Harding continued his blistering form by carding a second consecutive six-under-par 64 to surge into the halfway lead at the Royal Cup on Friday.
The 32-year-old Harding, who started the round one-shot off the lead, brilliantly stayed bogey-free for the second straight day at the US$500,000 event. He fired another six birdies to lead by three shots on a 12-under-par 128 total at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.
Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate Jack Wilson of Australia recorded his personal best 18-hole score after signing for a scorching 62 to sit in second place on his own.
American Jarin Todd and Japan’s Naoto Nakanishi stayed five shots off the pace in third on matching 133s following respective rounds of 67 and 69 while defending champion Shiv Kapur of India was amongst those bunched a further shot back in fifth following a 68.
Starting from the 10th tee, Harding got off to a flying start with three birdies in his opening five holes before nailing three straight birdies after the turn for another solid round of a 64.
Play was abandoned at 5.41pm local time due to lightning threats. A total of 14 players resumed their second round at 7am on Saturday with the third round starting at 8.25am..
The halfway cut was set at two-over-par 142 with 76 advancing to the weekend rounds.
The Royal Cup is held in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who will be celebrating his 66th birthday on July 28, Saturday.
Did you know?
- Justin Harding found 13 greens and 11 fairways in his second round of 64. He amassed a total of 26 putts.
- Harding graduated from Lamar University in 2008 with a Business degree. His father is in the sales industry and introduced him to the sport.
- Harding is the only player using a long putter this week. He decided to make the switch at the start of the year after watching fellow South African Shaun Norris making putts in the final round of the BMW SA Open 2018.
- Thanks to his accurate drives off the tee, Jack Wilson only missed four fairways in his solid round of 62.
- He came through Asian Tour Qualifying School this year to earn his card for the 2018 season.
- Wilson injured his rib from hitting an errant shot at the range on the first day of the Betagro Championship in May. He was forced to take a four-week layoff from golf before returning to play the Queen’s Cup in June.
- Naoto Nakanishi is playing on a sponsor’s invite this week. He plays regularly on the AbemaTV Tour where he currently ranks 24th on the Order of Merit.
- Nakanishi will be eyeing for his first victory since turning professional in 2010.
- Jarin Todd sits in 27th place on the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
- Todd has his friend Tyler on his bag this week. They grew up playing golf together at his home course in San Diego.
Player’s quotes:
Justin Harding (Rsa) – Second Round 64 (-6), Total 128 (-12)
Got off to a nice fast start again and I thought I did pretty decently on the front nine. Made a couple of putts, a long putt from over 15-feet on hole 10. ‘
The highlight of my round would have to be on hole 1 when I made a putt from over 30-feet. I made two more birdies which brought me to -12 and then I kind of battled through the last six holes.
There were some pretty tough pin positions on that nine which were difficult to get to and I didn’t seem to get anything close enough to make birdies. I managed to make a couple of good par saves after hitting some indifferent shots but I’m happy with the round overall.
I like where I am right now, had my eye on the leader board a couple of times while I was playing. It allows me to know what’s happening and who is catching up.
I felt like I stuck to my game plan for the most part of the day and didn’t quite go for the middle of the green like I used to.
I find the humidity in the morning is bad, the heat just comes and goes depending on how you play. I think when I am playing well I don’t really feel it. If you’re struggling and having to grind then the heat starts to get to you. I just want to keep the bogeys off my card and see if I can continue this run.
Jack Wilson (Aus) – Second Round 62 (-8), Total 131 (-9)
62 is my personal best score and its great to be able to go so low especially with that front nine having a couple of tough holes out there. Especially coming off the last three events where I missed the cut.
Last week I went home and spent some time with my best friend, and got some positive vibes going. Things are turning around; my ball striking has been fantastic and I am hitting my driver well. I drove the green on hole eight to give myself an eagle chance but two-putted to settle for birdie.
I’m hitting driver every chance I get because I’m just confident with my swing right now. I agree that you have to be careful with a lot of the holes out here but if you’re willing to take the risk the reward’s there.
Naoto Nakanishi (Jpn) – Second Round 69 (-1), Total 133 (-7)
I hit everything good today. Every shot was good. I was very unlucky in my first nine. On hole six I three-putted for bogey because my ball caught an unlucky break and bounced away from the pin. Overall it was a good day, just some unlucky shots.
I like this course because of how narrow it is and I enjoy the challenge. I was constantly thinking on every shot and I played smart golf.
Jarin Todd (Usa) – Second Round 67 (-3), Total 133 (-7)
It was a little windy out there and I struggled to get birdies on the back nine because I couldn’t get it close. But I’m happy with a bogey-free round.
I made a couple of good saves to keep it going and made some par putts to stay in position. I only used my driver four times because you don’t really need the distance on this course, just have to land it in the right spot.
Raththee Sirithanakunsak – Second Round 72 (+1), Total 135 (-5)
I played okay overall just for a triple bogey on hole seven. I hit my first shot in the water and missed the green on my second shot. I had a tough lie and could not make an up-and-down.
But I recovered well right after and made birdie from making a putt from off the green.
I am happy with the position I am in and I just want to keep this momentum going. I will keep to my game plan and not thinking about winning yet.
Scores after round 2 of the Royal Cup 2018 being played at the par 70, 6716 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):
128 – Justin HARDING (RSA) 64-64.
131 – Jack WILSON (AUS) 69-62.
133 – Naoto NAKANISHI (JPN) 64-69, Jarin TODD (USA) 66-67.
134 – Ben LEONG (MAS) 66-68, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 66-68, Josh YOUNGER (AUS) 65-69, Jake MCLEOD (AUS) 70-64.
135 – Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA) 63-72, Mark BROWN (NZL) 67-68, Nirun SAE-UENG (THA) 68-67.
136 – Danny CHIA (MAS) 67-69, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 69-67, Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-69, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 70-66, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 71-65, Pol KEMMARAT (THA) 66-70, Travis SMYTH (AUS) 68-68, Seungtaek LEE (KOR) 68-68.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
Headlines at a glance
- Hillier and Miya take first-round lead after 63s in New Zealand
- Sanchez snatches clubhouse lead at end of long opening day
- Ryan Peake: game ‘very close’ ahead of title defence in New Zealand
- Last year’s runners up Higa and Snyman back for more inspiration
- Powerful sense of history will be on display at the New Zealand Open
- February 2026
- January 2026
- December 2025
- November 2025
- October 2025
- September 2025
- August 2025
- July 2025
- June 2025
- May 2025
- April 2025
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- May 2017
- March 2015
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- January 2009
Recent Comments