Chiangmai, March 30: Ernie Els shot his lowest round of the season with a six-under-par 66 to move into the top-10 of the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT in the early stages of the third round on Saturday.
The South African, a four-time Major winner and nicknamed the Big Easy, certainly made it look easy with seven birdies against a lone bogey at the immaculate Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai as he moved up the leaderboard with his three-day score of 10-under-par 206.
Australian Marcus Both currently holds the clubhouse lead on 204 after a stellar 65 which included one eagle and three birdies over his closing five holes as he stepped up his chase for a third Asian Tour victory.
Marcus Both
Saturday was certainly Moving Day as India’s young star Gaganjeet Bhullar matched Both’s 65 to move up the board with his 205 total but the biggest mover of all was Els, who is wielding a short putter this week in place of his regular belly putter which he used to win the British Open last July.
Els, who will revert back to the long putter for the Masters Tournament in two weeks’ time, needed 27 putts for his round, the lowest so far this week, and felt he could have made an ever bigger move.
“Yeah. Obviously I could have done a little bit better. I gave myself chances. The greens were nice and smooth and a little bit quicker. I made a couple of putts and was trying to squeeze some birdies out of the course on the last couple of holes but didn’t hit good shots,” said Els.
“It is getting better. I haven’t had a good year up to now. I haven’t played great rounds. I’ve needed this and I’ve been working hard on the short putter. Obviously, today was a little easier on the greens. Hopefully I can build on that. I wanted to go low but I’m going in the right direction with a 66. Maybe I’ll go a little bit lower tomorrow.”
Playing alongside three-time Asian Tour winner Anirban Lahiri, Els was full of praise of the young Indian. “He is a good player … lots of talent. He is a player who can break through. He has a lot of length. He hits the ball miles and has a really strong game. He has a good short game as well so I see some good things coming from him,” said Els.
“He is young so he has to keep playing and trying to win some tournaments out here and go up the ladder. He just needs to keep working hard.”
Both was over the moon with his strong finish, which included a 15-foot eagle on 14 after he punched a low five iron shot beneath some branches which set up a grandstand finish.
“It was a good finish. Before that, I made a couple of bogeys which I was a bit disappointed with. One three putt on the long par three 12th and missed the green on 13 which I didn’t get up and down,” said Both.
“I hit a really good second shot into 14 and made the putt for eagle and then hit a nice shot on 15 and made birdie. Sort of missed a makeable one on 16 and then birdied 17 and 18 with a couple of two, three footers. It was good. I’m not going to be disappointed with a 65 but I was playing with Pariya (Junhasavasdikul) and he reminded me that I should have been a few better! I’ll take it but there’s still a lot of golf out there for the leaders and I’m sure they’ll shoot a decent number. I’m sure I’ve got a bit of work tomorrow.”
Bhullar is looking forward to a big Sunday push after hauling himself back into contention at the new US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour event, which is offering the highest world ranking points in Asia this week.
Gaganjeet Bhullar
“I played well. I hit the ball really good and close. I had many opportunities. Anyway it was moving day. There are still another 18 holes. I’m very excited to play on Sunday especially with the way my game is shaping up,” said the four-time winner.
“I can definitely expect another low one coming. I’ve been striking the ball well but today was one of those days where I felt better on the greens. As a result the score was better than the last two days. I want to take this tempo into the last two days.
“I didn’t do anything on the driving range but did a lot of work on the putting green. That’s what I need to do for the final round. Technically, I’m feeling high on confidence and there’s nothing I can really work on my swing during tournaments. Otherwise, putting is one thing which differentiates the winner from the rest of the field.”

Queenstown, New Zealand, March 1: Asian Tour member Jarin Todd of the United States enjoyed an encouraging start  by firing a nine-under-par 62 at the Millbrook Resort to share the first round honours with Japan’s Tatsuya Kodai and Australia’s Daniel Nisbet at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open on Thursday. 

Todd’s 62 was the lowest score he has posted since turning professional 2010 and it gave him a one-shot lead over the Australian trio of Travis Smyth, Andrew Dodt and Andrew Martin. 

Dodt and Martin had earlier grabbed the clubhouse lead when they signed for matching 64s at the par-72 Hills course in the morning.

Thailand’s Poom Saksansin and Pavit Tangkamolprasert as well as recent Asian Tour winner Paul Peterson of the United States are among a host of players bunched in a share of 11th place, three shots off the lead. 

Todd, who is playing in New Zealand for the first time in his career this week, was quick to adapt to the playing conditions. Although he admitted he di not drive the ball well, the 31-year-old took advantage of his accurate short game to put himself in a commanding position.

Nisbet will meanwhile continue to adopt an aggressive approach as he seeks to return to the winner’s circle for the first time since his last professional win in Hong Kong in 2016.

Ends.

Did you know?

• Jarin Todd posted two top-10s at the Shinhan Donghae Open and Resorts World Manila Masters in 2017. He ended the year in 49th place on the Order of Merit.
• Todd went to the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2014, 2015 and 2017. He finished inside the top-40 twice in 2014 and 2017.
• Daniel Nisbet missed the cut at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open last year after rounds of 73 and 68.
• Andrew Dodt enjoyed a tied-sixth finish at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open last year and his last victory on the Asian Tour came at the True Thailand Classic in 2015.
• He finished runner-up to Robert Gates of the United States when The Hills last hosted the New Zealand Open in 2010.
• Andrew Martin’s best result at the New Zealand Open came in 2014 when he finished tied-eighth. He also enjoyed a tied-eighth result at the Indonesia Open on the Asian Tour last year.

Players’ Quotes:

Jarin Todd (Usa)

I didn’t drive it very good. I started on 10 and I almost made it on both par-three so that gave me some good momentum going into the back nine and I rolled in some putts. I got a little lucky on the par-five when I hit a bad drive but was able to make par. The conditions are perfect which is why there are so many low scores. I am looking forward to playing The Hills tomorrow. I had a blast in my practice round there on Tuesday. It should be fun.

The greens were really good. They are rolling great. I met Michael Glading in Indonesia and he was handing out flyers. I saw the pictures and it looked awesome. My ranking on the Asian Tour last year was good enough to let me in. The scores are going to be low again tomorrow unless we get some bad weather. I have to stay patient, keep the ball in play and have some good looks. When I hit bad shots I got some decent breaks and I hit some good shots too. My lowest tournament score is nine-under so I wanted to get to 10 today but didn’t quite. This is ideal scoring for us guys. The fairways are running but not too much. The greens are holding. If you play good shots you are going to get rewarded.

Daniel Nisbet (Aus)

It was a pretty solid day, just keeping bogeys off the card. It is always a goal to go bogey-free and then get a couple of close ones which were a bonus. The par-three 16th is usually my nemeses but I hit it into two inches today. It was nice to walk off that hole with a two and instead of a lot more than I usually do. It is a daunting hole. It is my first day to birdie it. It is a tough hole. Most days at The Hills it is usually a couple of club wind into that hole and it is a pretty tight little green. I had a couple of par-fives coming home and had two-putt birdies. In this weather a lot of the guys are going to tear this course up. The wind gives that course a lot of strength and there wasn’t any today. The course is in great condition, the greens are good so if you can knock it close it is easy to make birdies. Tomorrow is a fresh course, out nice and early. I am hitting the ball well off the tee. I am not being super-conservative, I am being a little more aggressive. I have been playing well the last few weeks so I thought I would go for a few more pins today.

Tatsuya Kodai (Jpn)

Today was a perfect round. Although I felt I could have finish even better. I enjoyed playing with this pro-am format. I’ll be playing at Millbrook tomorrow and I’m going to continue to aim for another low score. I’m going to be aggressive and attack the pins tomorrow.

Andrew Dodt (Aus)

It was a slow start, the conditions were a bit easy and I was only one under through 13 holes so I was starting to get a little anxious thinking I needed to start making some putts soon. I got a little hot from the 14th, birdied 14, 15, 16, driver three wood on 17 to 10 feet and birdied the last. Maybe I was trying to force it a little bit too much early, because you know that conditions are easy, you should be making birdies and when you’re not you try and force it a little bit. I just tried to relax and a little less was more, let it come to me rather than go and chase it and it clicked into gear on 14.

I hit probably four or five shots inside eight feet in the first nine holes and made one, so it could have been four or five under early on. I just stayed patient, tried to let go a bit and did that well on the back nine. It’s all playing well, it’s not going to get any easier than it is right now. You had to put the foot down today. The greens are pure, where you hit the putt that’s where it will stay. I haven’t been making the greatest starts, so I wanted to really make sure I did a good job of that today.

It’s nice to have three rounds in a row now at Millbrook. I played well here last year, I like both courses and I like New Zealand in general. It’s nice to get off to a good start, but I think conditions are supposed to stay the same for the rest of the week, so it’s foot down, make birdies. There’s an event on in South Africa this week but I like to try and play my minimum four on the Australasian tour, and being an Asian Tour event too, I like to cover my bases. It’s a great event, great scenery, great country. It’s a pretty easy decision to come here.

Andrew Martin (Aus)

All the boys give me a bit of grief about how well I play at The Hills. I just feel really comfortable on the course, everything suits my eye. It was a pretty stress free round for me, I know my lines and I was hitting good shots in to give myself lots of chances to drop a few putts.

Ends.

PRAYAD MARKSAENG (THA) – THIRD ROUND 66 (-6), TOTAL 198 (-18)

I felt tired because it was quite hot out there. I didn’t play well on the first three holes when I used the normal putting grip. I changed to the cross-hand grip and birdied the fourth hole. I feel very comfortable on this golf course because I like the landscape a lot. I like playing on golf courses with nice scenery. The greens were tricky today.

I made mistakes on 15 and 16 but it doesn’t matter. I was careless on 16 but I still think I have a very strong advantage.

I have a five-shot lead now and I will play steadily and not be aggressive. I think the pressure is only my followers. They need to have a good front nine or they won’t be able to catch up with me.

I’m surprised to see so many fans come out today. It is good that we have a first professional event in Chiangmai.

MATTHEW STIEGER (AUS) – THIRD ROUND 68 (-4), TOTAL 203 (-13)

It was one of those rounds where I plodded my way around. I’m pretty amazed I’m through 54 holes without any bogeys….Touch wood. Hopefully we can keep that going on the last day. The last three days I’ve stayed really patient and had some good chances. I’m happy where I’m standing.

I’m used to this sort of courses. I grew up in a little country town in Narborough in Sydney. I’m enjoying the heat which not many people say but I grew up in this sort of heat and humidity. It sort of suits my game a little bit.

I went to Asian Tour Qualifying School after turning professional six months ago. Hard work pays off. I have been training pretty hard back home. I was grinding back home and it has paid off. I turned 22 in February. I’m pretty young but loving it. I turned pro in October. I was fortunate enough to win the 2012 New South Wales PGA Championship in what was my sixth professional event.

*note: He represented Australia in the Eisenhower Trophy in 2012 and won the 2011 Tasmanian Open.

THONGCHAI JAIDEE (THA) – THIRD ROUND 6 (-3), TOTAL 203 (-13)

I think the problem was the putting and reading the lines. I had one three putt. Hit a lot of good shots and the greens are killing (me). They are tough to read. My performance, I don’t have any complaints. Hit 15 greens but took too many putts. It’s okay.
Prayad played so well today. He dropped a couple of shots but he came back. He likes the course. He’s in form after winning the Thailand Open. He’s got a good chance this week. I’ll try my best. Need luck tomorrow. One more day. I’m going to be five or six behind.

If conditions are like this, six might be too far away. I need 10 under tomorrow to have a chance tomorrow. Will play like my old game, hit fairways and greens. Sometimes need luck in the rough too. Sometimes it sits up, sometimes it sits down.

Just the greens are tough to read. Sometimes you putt into the grain, it’s slow and it can be really fast as well. You just need to putt very well this week.

DIGVIJAY SINGH (IND) – THIRD ROUND 70 (-2), TOTAL 204 (-12)

I didn’t have the best start. I hit it close on the second and fourth holes but I wasn’t reading the greens correctly today. I just didn’t get the speed of the greens right. Then I hit it really good. Hit it to about six feet on the 10th hole and it was a ‘given’ birdie on 11. I made a great par on 17 when I hit it over the green and into thick rough but managed to get it out to about two feet.
Overall it was a good experience playing with Thongchai Jaidee. The last time I played with him was as an amateur at the 1995 Nomura Cup in New Zealand. I haven’t played with him for a long time. It was great fun. I’m amazed by the speed he plays with.

My goal remains the same. My plan of action remains the same. I’m really enjoying myself this week. This is a really beautiful golf course I think it is one of the best that I’ve played in Asia. The conditions are absolutely fantastic. I need to put up a good score and play the best that I can. If the win comes along then it will be icing on the cake.
MARCUS BOTH (AUS) – THIRD ROUND 65 (-7), TOTAL 204 (-12)

That must have felt very nice?
It was a good finish. Before that, I made a couple of bogeys which I was a bit disappointed. One three putt on the long par three 12th and missed the green on 13 which I didn’t get up and down. Hit a really good second shot into 14 and made the putt for eagle and hit a nice shot on 15 and made birdie. Sort of missed a makeable one on 16 and then birdied 17 and 18 with a couple of two three footers. It was good. I’m not going to be disappointed with a 65 but I was playing with Pariya (Junhasavasdikul) and he was reminding me that I should have been a few better! I’ll take it but there’s still a lot of golf out there for the leaders and I’m sure they’ll shoot a decent number. I’m sure I’ve got a bit of work tomorrow.

You found something at the range in Malaysia last week?
The first few weeks, Myanmar I played okay but had an average Sunday. In SAIL, I just plodded along and was not comfortable with the way I’m hitting it. Ball striking is really my strength and I didn’t really know why. I did some track-man stuff on the range in Malaysia and that gave me some extra information and I realized I wasn’t swinging it as bad as I thought. Since then, a change of driver for a start and made sure my set up was the way it was supposed to be. I struggled with driving the ball. In India I was hitting three, four, five fairways in a round and it’s really difficult to make a score from the rough. It’s amazing when you start hitting some fairways and what you can do. Just keep the ball a bit more on the fairway this week and the score kind of reflects that.

GAGANJEET BHULLAR (IND) – THIRD ROUND 65 (-7), TOTAL 205 (-11)
Gaganjeet Bhullar
I played well. I hit the ball really good and close. I had many opportunities. Anyway it was moving day. There are still another 18 holes. I’m very excited to play on Sunday especially with the way my game is shaping up.

I can definitely expect another low one coming. I’ve been striking the ball well but today was one of those days where I felt better on the greens. As a result the score was better than the last two days. I want to take this tempo into the last two days.

I didn’t do anything on the driving range but did a lot of work on the putting green. That’s what I need to do for the final round. Technically, I’m feeling high on confidence and there’s nothing I can really work on my swing during tournaments. Otherwise, putting is one thing which differentiates the winner from the rest of the field.

ERNIE ELS (RSA) – THIRD ROUND 66 (-6), TOTAL 206 (-10)

Q. Finally things clicked for you?
Yeah. Obviously I could have done a little bit better. I gave myself chances. The greens were nice and smooth and a little bit quicker. I made a couple of putts and was trying to squeeze some birdies out of the course on the last couple of holes but didn’t hit good shots.

Q. Is this the lowest round of the year for you? Must be happy to do it with a short putter?
It is getting better. I haven’t had a good year up to now. I haven’t played great rounds. I’ve needed this and I’ve been working hard on the short putter. Obviously, today was a little easier on the greens. Hopefully I can build on that. I wanted to go low today but I’m going in the right direction with a 66. Maybe I’ll go a little bit lower tomorrow.

Q. What do you expect from the guys in the lead?
It is third day flags. There are a few accessible flags on the back nine. The guys got a lot of opportunities for birdies but they need to hit the right shots.

Q. How do you rate Anirban Lahiri’s game?
He is a good player. Lots of talent. He is a player who can breakthrough. He has a lot of length. He hits the ball miles and has a really strong game. He has a good short game as well so I see some good things coming from him.

Q. What sort of advice would you give him to improve?
It is all about breaks isn’t it? He is young so he has to keep playing and try to win some tournaments out here and go up the ladder. He just needs to keep working hard.

New Delhi, March 30: Promising graduates from the Asian Tour Qualifying School will be looking to stamp their mark when they tee off against the region’s top players at the Panasonic Open India next week.

Korean-American Chan Kim, who topped the class at Qualifying School in January, will spearhead the rookies’ charge as they fight for glory at the US$300,000 Asian Tour full-field event from April 4-7.

“Earning my Asian Tour card at Qualifying School has opened many doors for me. It has given my career a huge boost and I’m very thankful for the opportunities given. Now it’s time to prove myself against the big boys,” said Chan, who will be playing in his fifth tournament at the Delhi Golf Club.

“There are a lot of good players from other countries and if you’re not on top of your game every week, it’s going to be tough to win a tournament out here. I’m just trying to prepare the best that I can,” he added.

A return to the venerable Delhi Golf Club will provide a boost for Chan as he contended at the venue during the SAIL-SBI Open earlier this month before finishing tied eighth.

France’s Lionel Weber is another promising graduate in the Panasonic Open India field as he prepares to take on home favourites Jeev Milkha Singh, Anirban Lahiri, who won his third Asian Tour title at Delhi Golf Club earlier this month and Gaganjeet Bhullar, who finished second at the co-sanctioned Avantha Masters a fortnight ago.

The highly-rated Frenchman is among a cosmopolitan of international stars from over 30 different nationalities playing on the Asian Tour this season.

Weber, who finished tied-seventh at the Asian Tour’s season-opening event in Myanmar, is looking forward to carrying his good form on the region’s premier Tour, which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013.

“I’m happy to be able to play on the Asian Tour. I’m glad that I managed to earn my Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School. It is a brand new life for me ever since and I really hope to do well,” said the 22-year-old.

Other Asian Tour graduates expected to feature strongly at the Panasonic Open India include Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang, Richard Lee of Canada, Thomas Petersson of Sweden, Steve Lewton of England and David Lutterus of Australia.

The Panasonic Open India will also welcome the return of defending champion Digvijay Singh, who ended a 12-year barren run when he claimed his maiden Asian Tour victory last year. Two-time Asian Tour number one Jeev Milkha Singh will make his debut in the Panasonic Open India.

Other top contenders include Australia’s Kirean Pratt, Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera and Bangladeshi Siddikur, who finished third at the SAIL-SBI Open this month.

The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.

The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.

About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club. Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear.
The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com and www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf

About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit http://panasonic.co.in.

About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. 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 Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

March 30: The big-hitting Anton Haig of South Africa signalled his return to Asia by leading the Driving Distance category with an average of 339 yards off the tees.
Huang Tao of Chinese Taipei is second with drives of 323 yards while Chase Wright of the United States is three yards back.
Haig, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, is ahead of Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium, who is leading in the same category on the European Tour and PGA Tour with drives of 318.3 yards and 307.2 yards respectively.
Korea’s Lee Sung, who was born deaf, is currently the straightest hitter on the Asian Tour after finding 84% of fairways. Indians Harmeet Kahlon is second with an accuracy rate of 80% followed by countryman Gaganjeet Bhullar, a four-time Asian Tour winner, on 79%.
On the European Tour Adilson Da Silva of Brazil, also an Asian Tour member, leads the category on 82.7% while Jeff Maggert is ahead in the category with 73.04% on the PGA Tour.
Sung Mao-chang of Chinese Taipei and Michael Tran of Vietname are tied in the Greens in Regulation category with a strike rate of 83% followed by upcoming Chinese player Hu Mu on 82%.
Sung and Tran have a slight advantage of Justin Rose of England, who leads in Europe on 80.8%. Brandt Snedeker tops the group on the PGA Tour on 74.07%.

The secret to Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s success this season lies in his stroke average. He leads the Lowest Stroke Average category with scoring of 67.82. Hwang In-choon (68.25) of Korea and Liang Wen-chong (68.57) of China are placed second and third respectively.
Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa is in prime position on the European Tour with a 69.4 stroke average.
Meanwhile Daniel Chopra of Sweden has an average of 27.3 putts a round to lead the Putting Average category. He is trailed closely by two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Jeev Milkha Singh of India (26.6) and Liang Wen-chong of China (27.1)
Marcus Fraser of Australia, who won the same category on the Asian Tour last season, currently leads on the European Tour with an average of 27.8 putts.
In the Birdie Leader category, Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea has notched a total of 68 birdies which was matched by Berry Henson of the United States.
Ends.

Mexico City, March 1: India’s Shubhankar Sharma savored a dream debut at the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship with an opening six-under 65 pushing him into tied second place and one shot behind leader Louis Oosthuizen on Thursday.

The 21-year-old, playing in the last group alongside Malaysia’s Gavin Green, was beaming from ear to ear after keeping the bogeys of the card which included an eagle and four birdies at the Club Golf de Chapultepec.

“I’m really pleased with the way I played. I was very nervous in the morning, but very happy with the way I put it all together. Even after the rain (lightning) delay that we had, just to make birdie on the last hole (on nine), absolutely fantastic,” said a delighted Sharma.

The young Indian prospect arrived in Mexico City in top form, having won co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour tournaments in South Africa and Malaysia over a span of two months.

Despite missing the cut by one stroke in Oman and Qatar over the past fortnight, Sharma produced a flawless display which his caddie Gurbaaz Mann, a former Asian Tour player himself, described as “complete”.

Starting his day from the 10th tee, Sharma birdied 11 and 12 from 13 and two feet respectively before rolling in a tricky 15-footer for his third birdie on 18. After finding the fringe at the driveable first hole, the Indian chipped home for eagle from 10 yards. He closed out his round in style by nearly holing out for eagle for an eventual tap-in birdie.

“It’s not a bad way at all (to finish). As soon as I hit it I knew I hit a good shot. I was also really happy with the birdie I made on 18. It was a very, very tough putt, almost two feet of break on that putt. On the first hole it’s just about hitting the right shot and positioning yourself. I couldn’t have hit it in a better place. I was just short of the green and had a very easy chip shot (for eagle),” he said.

“My tee shots  … most of them were in the fairway. You really need that to have to go low, especially on a course like this. It’s tree lined, it’s a very old style golf course, you don’t want to miss many fairways. So I was very happy with the way I drove the ball.  I was struggling with it on Monday and put in some work the last two days.  Was pretty happy with the way I drove the ball and I think that was the key.”

Sharma intends to keep his foot on the pedal despite being in his first WGC tournament which is featuring 45 of the world’s top-five players this week.

“To be honest, I’m actually relaxed now. I just wanted the first round to get out of the way.  You’re always very happy when you start with such a low round, especially for me.  This is such a big event, I would say this is taking some pressure off me, playing well on this course.  And I proved to myself that I can roll it, so I’ll just do the same things that I’ve been doing,” he said.

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat carded a 66 for tied fifth  position while China’s Haotong Li  returned a 73. Malaysia’s Gavin Green, the reigning Asian Tour No. 1, shot a 78.

About the World Golf Championships – Mexico Championships

The World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship is regulated and organized by the operational committee of the International Federation of PGA Tours and due to its great importance it annually attracts the top golfers from across the globe including those from the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour. The other World Golf Championships include Dell Technologies Match Play (Austin, Texas, U.S.), Bridgestone Invitational (Akron, Ohio, U.S.) and HSBC Champions (Shanghai, China).

Dustin Johnson of the U.S. will be the defending champion when the Mexico Championship returns with a total purse of USD$10 million to Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City for its second year and as the second of four World Golf Championships of the 2017-18 PGA TOUR Season on February 28 – March 4, 2018.

For more information visit www.wgcmexico.com, as well as the tournament’s social media accounts @WGCMexico (in English with international scope) and @TVAztecaGolf (in Spanish with international and Latin American scopes).

Chiangmai, Thailand, March 29: Thailand’s smooth-swinger Prayad Marksaeng maintained his title charge at the inaugural US$750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT with a second round of five-under-par 67 to stretch his advantage to two shots on Friday.

The overnight leader, who is a six-time Asian Tour winner but has not won on the region’s premier tour since 2007, tightened his grip atop the leaderboard with his 12-under-par 132 total at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai.

A host of talented Asian Tour stars, including Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and Asia’s first Major champion Y.E. Yang of Korea, are hot on his heels. The Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT offers the highest Official World Golf Ranking points in Asia this week with 16 points for the winner.

Thongchai, who needs a win in Chiangmai to qualify for the Masters Tournament, shot a fabulous 65 to move to tied second place with American Jonathan Moore (68) and India’s Digvijay Singh, who birdied his last three holes for a 67.

Hu Mu, playing on a sponsor’s invitation, stayed in the title hunt with a solid 69 for tied fifth place, three behind Prayad.

The powerful Yang shot a 68 and will enter the weekend rounds four back while Ernie Els of South Africa, using a short putter for the first time in a long while, battled to a 71 for tied 41st place on 140.
Prayad, who stuck to the cross-handed putting grip which he changed midway through the first round, credited his fine form to his new irons and golf ball.

“I changed to a new golf ball and it seems to be giving me more distance. Last time I hit my driver to about 280 yards but now I’m hitting it 20 yards longer. I’m getting more distance and that’s good for my age,” said the 47-year-old Prayad.

Starting from the back nine, Prayad, who has won three titles on home soil this year including his national Open two weeks ago, bounced back from an early bogey on two with acurate irons shots and was rewarded with six birdies, which all came inside of 10 feet.

“I’m happy with how I played. My game, from my driver, irons and putting, were very good. I used the cross-handed grip again today. It seems to be working. I’ve been playing very good this year and I hope I can maintain my form,” added the smiling Thai.

Three-time Asian Tour number one Thongchai produced some wonderful golf to put himself in position to win and break into the world’s top-50, which is required to earn an invitation to the Masters Tournament next month.

The former paratrooper birdied the third from close range and then holed out with a wedge for a stunning eagle three on the fourth hole which sparked his round. He added four more birdies on the back nine as he outshone playing partner Els.

“It is actually a good idea to keep thinking about the Masters Tournament,” said Thongchai, who is ranked 59th in the world. “

“I want to win this tournament. It is only the second round and I’m halfway there. I think I have a good chance because I’m only two shots away. If I can get another low round then I have a chance of winning,” add the Thai, who has 13 titles on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013.

Moore, who graduated from the Asian Development Tour in 2011 and finished seventh on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit in 2012, said his carefree attitude on the course has given him a chance of landing a first Asian Tour title.

“A few things I’ve learned over the years, one of them is to send the ball on its way. I can’t make it go to a particular spot. Just envision that all I’m going to do is to hit it into the ocean instead of a small fairway. Just make that free swing and hit it into a big wide ocean. I think that’s helped a bit,” said Moore, who hit 10 fairways and 14 greens in regulation.

Singh was delighted to be feature on the leaderboard again, nearly a year after he claimed his breakthrough victory at the Panasonic Open India which he will defend the title next week.

“It has been a long time (being in contention). Since my win, I haven’t done much. It has been a bit of a flash in the pan kind of performance so far. I was trying too hard and trying to get too much out of my rounds,” said the 41-year-old.

Els struggled to a 71 to fall eight shots off the pace but still hopes to go low over the weekend. “It’s going to take a lot of work (to win). I’ll go out there with an aggressive mindset tomorrow and hope to get something going. I’ve not had a really low round all year and I would love to have a low round in the next two days. That’s what I’ll be aiming for. It’ll take a lot to win the tournament from where I am. I just want to get some momentum going through the weekend,” said the reigning British Open champion.

The halfway cut was set at two-under-par 142 with a total of 71 players making the weekend rounds.

Scores after round 2 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic being played at the par 72, 7471 Yards Alpine GR course (a- denotes amateur):
132 – Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 65-67.
134 – Jonathan MOORE (USA) 66-68, Digvijay SINGH (IND) 67-67, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 69-65.
135 – HU Mu (CHN) 66-69, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 67-68, Bryce EASTON (RSA) 68-67, Matthew STIEGER (AUS) 68-67.
136 – Jason KNUTZON (USA) 67-69, Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-66, SIDDIKUR (BAN) 69-67.
137 – YANG Y. E. (KOR) 69-68, Scott HEND (AUS) 68-69, MO Joong-kyung (KOR) 70-67, Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA) 72-65, Zaw MOE (MYN) 70-67.
138 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 71-67, David LIPSKY (USA) 69-69, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 71-67, BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 69-69, Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 68-70, KIM Seng-yong (KOR) 70-68, Himmat RAI (IND) 71-67, Anton HAIG (RSA) 72-66, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 66-72, Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN) 70-68, Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 68-70, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 70-68, Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 70-68, Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 70-68, Jaakko MAKITALO (FIN) 72-66, Chris RODGERS (ENG) 72-66, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 68-70.
139 – Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA) 70-69, Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 68-71, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 70-69, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 74-65, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 70-69, Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 69-70, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 71-68.
140 – Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 70-70, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-71, Adam GROOM (AUS) 68-72, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 70-70, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 71-69, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 71-69, Ernie ELS (RSA) 69-71, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 71-69, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 69-71, LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 73-67, Sam CYR (USA) 70-70, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 71-69, LU Wen-teh (TPE) 74-66.

Ends.

About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. 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 Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistic Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in India, China, Brazil and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com.

Mexico City, March 1: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat carded a superb five-under 66 for tied fifth position at the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship on Thursday.

The big-hitting Kiradech produced six birdies against a lone bogey at the Club Golf de Chapultepec, thanks to a combination of solid ball striking and putting to trail first round leader Louis Oosthuizen by two strokes in the US$10 million showpiece.

“I kept it more on the greens and fairways, and had more opportunity to putt.  My golf game is in great shape,” said a delighted Kiradech.

Three weeks after lifting a fourth European Tour title in Perth, the world No. 40 is keen to keep his name up on the leaderboard as he bids to improve on his previous best WGC finish of T18 at the 2016 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

With the three-lined Chapultepec course being over 7,000 feet above sea level which results in golf balls flying further, Kiradech believes the key to his solid start was due to his ability to manage his distance control.

“This week is all about distance control. Then, the more greens you hit, you get more chances. Some hole you have to hit in the middle of the greens because it’s really difficult to adjust. When it’s hot, the ball travels farther and when it’s in the shade you can drop a couple yards,” said Kiradech, who averaged 1.65 putts per green in regulation.

The 28-year-old, who played in all four rounds at The Honda Classic on the PGA TOUR last week, is pushing hard for a top finish in Mexico to enhance his bid to earn his PGA TOUR card for the first time in his career.

About the World Golf Championships – Mexico Championships

The World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship is regulated and organized by the operational committee of the International Federation of PGA Tours and due to its great importance it annually attracts the top golfers from across the globe including those from the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour. The other World Golf Championships include Dell Technologies Match Play (Austin, Texas, U.S.), Bridgestone Invitational (Akron, Ohio, U.S.) and HSBC Champions (Shanghai, China).

Dustin Johnson of the U.S. will be the defending champion when the Mexico Championship returns with a total purse of USD$10 million to Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City for its second year and as the second of four World Golf Championships of the 2017-18 PGA TOUR Season on February 28 – March 4, 2018.

For more information visit www.wgcmexico.com, as well as the tournament’s social media accounts @WGCMexico (in English with international scope) and @TVAztecaGolf (in Spanish with international and Latin American scopes).

Chiangmai, March 29: South African star Ernie Els struggled to a one-under-par 71 in the second round of the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on Friday, and then extended his well wishes to ailing former President Nelson Mandela.
The four-time Major winner fell eight shots off the pace at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai following a lackluster start which saw him drop two early bogeys before salvaging his card with four birdies against another dropped shot for a four-under-par 140 total in tied 37th position.
Els, using a short putter for the first time in a long while in preparation for an impending ban on the anchoring method by golf’s authorities, said: “I don’t know. I thought I hit some good putts. I didn’t hit it as good as yesterday. That wasn’t in my favour.
“I was kind of facing an uphill battle, had a tough start. Missed a short one on three and three putted five (for bogeys). It wasn’t a great start. I kind of had to fight just to be here for the weekend. I’m going to stick with the short putter for the next two days and hopefully roll some in.”
Els reckons he is too far back to fight for the title in the US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour event, the first held in the northern city of Chiangmai. But with the Masters Tournament, the year’s first Major around the corner, the “Big Easy” hopes to go low in the weekend rounds to take some momentum to Augusta National.
“It’s going to take a lot of work (to win). I’ll go out there with an aggressive mindset tomorrow and hope to get something going. I’ve not had a really low round all year and I would love to have a low round in the next two days. That’s what I’ll be aiming for. It’ll take a lot to win the tournament from where I am. I just want to get some momentum going through the weekend,” said the reigning British Open champion.
Els took time to turn his thoughts onto ailing President Mandela, who was hospitalized late Wednesday for a recurring lung infection. “I just want to say that our thoughts are with our former president, President Mandela. He’s going through a bit of a tough time now and as South Africans, we want to wish him all the best and wishes he recovers,” said Els.
The Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT is primed to extensively promote Chiangmai as a top golfing and tourist destination through the four days of live broadcasts on the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
The Chiangmai Golf Classic is supported by PTT Group Company Limited, one of the largest corporations in Thailand, while other premier sponsors include PTT Public Company Ltd, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Advanced Info Service Plc, Siam Commercial Bank PCL, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Provincial Government of Chiangmai, Chiangmai Provincial Administrative Organisation, CAT Telecom Public Company Ltd, TOT Public Company Ltd, Thai Airways International Public Company Ltd, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, Samart I-mobile PCL , Loxley Wireless Co Ltd, Forth Corporation Public Company Ltd, J.R.W Utility Plc, Standard Tour Co Ltd, Advanced Information Technology Public Company Ltd, Fenix Apparel and Accessories Co Ltd and Sports Authority of Thailand.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. 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 Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistic Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in India, China, Brazil and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com.

Prayad Marksaeng (Tha) – Second Round 67 (-5), Total 132 (-12)
I’m happy with how I played. My game from my driver, irons and putting were very good. I used the cross hand grip today. It seems to be working for me. I’m feeling good. I’ve been playing very good this year. I changed to a new golf ball and it seems to be giving me more distance. Last time I hit my driver to about 280 yards but now I’m hitting it about 20 yards longer. I had many short putts for birdie and t was all inside 10 feet.

The pins were placed in tough positions but I followed my game plan and it worked. I really getting more distance and that’s good with my age. I hope I can maintain my form.

Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) – Second Round 65 (-7), Total 134 (-10)

I didn’t play better than yesterday. I holed a lot of putts and had an eagle on the fourth hole. I know the course is quite tricky and it is very important to position your ball at the right places. A 65 is another solid round and I’m bogey free for two rounds. I look forward in the next two rounds. I’m enjoying playing on this golf course. The conditions are fantastic.

It is actually a good idea to keep thinking about the Masters Tournament. I want to win this tournament. It is only the second round and I’m half way there. I think I have a good chance to win now because I’m only two shots away. If I can get another low round then I have a chance of winning. I’m going to try my best. I enjoy playing in my home country and I’m very proud because there were a lot of fans who came out to support us today.
Digvijay Singh (Ind) – Second Round 67 (-5), Total 134 (-10)

It was nice to finish with three birdies on seven, eight and nine. I lost my putting touch in the middle of the round. I hit it really close on a couple of occasions but didn’t convert them. I made a three putt on 15 and missed a four-footer on 14.

Then I got back to what I was supposed to do. It has been a long time. Since my win at Panasonic Open India I haven’t done much. It has been a bit of a flash in the pan kind of performance so far.

I was trying too hard and trying to get too much out of my round. Actually I was thinking of going home yesterday because my back was troubling me. Jyoti (Randhawa) asked me to walk around to warm up a bit. Thankfully the Asian Tour’s physiotherapist did good work on my back and I’m feeling a 100%.

I’ve putted well and hitting my wedges close. This golf course is actually in favour of players because the ball is not rolling too hard. You can fire anywhere near the pins and you can rest assure the ball won’t roll off the green.

Jonathan Moore (Usa) – Second round 68 (-4), Total 134 (-10)

It was a good round. I started off just each day, I’m just trying to find my rhythm. I don’t exactly know where my game is this week as I’ve just been playing particularly great the last few weeks. I’ve not tried to do too much and just try to get my rhythm and it’s happened each day. I’ve also putted well which really helps.

I’m just trying to let go more. A few things I’ve learned over the years, one of them is to send the ball on its way. I can’t make it go to a particular spot. Just envision that all I’m going to do is to hit it into the ocean instead of a small fairway. Just make that free swing and hit it into a big wide ocean. I think that’s helped a bit.

The course is pretty forgiving off the tees on some holes. There’s enough holes where you need to hit good shots. The speed of the greens is what I’m loving it the most. You just stroke the ball. You don’t have to hit it. It’s got a wonderful speed, a bit on the faster side which I like.

I gave a few back after the turn, three putt from short range and missed with a short iron but it was nice to bounce back as my father in law and his friend showed up in the last few holes and could watch some shots.

Hu Mu (Chn) – Second round 69 (-3), Total 135 (-9)

Q. Talk us through your round?
I was very disappointed with my round. I turned a 62 or 63 round into a 69. I didn’t take any chances from the good shots I hit. I wasn’t feeling it out there with my putter.

Q. What do you need to improve?
I want to go work on my putting. I putted well on the first day. It was a disaster when it came to making birdies. I hit my shots close and had five or six birdies chances inside 10 feet but just didn’t make them. It was a big mistake.

Q. Nice to see your name on top?
I’ve been in contention on the first day and it is great. I’m getting more used to it. The first few times you might get a bit excited when you are up on the leaderboard and not get enough sleep. Right now I’m really into it and when I get on the course, I always try to shoot better.

Q. You tend to get better by playing in more tournaments?
Definitely. I don’t think it is natural for everybody. Some people might get it faster but I’m getting better every tournament.

Q. Did you sleep well last night?
I slept well but it was too early of a wake-up call. I had to get up at 4.30am.

Q. Exciting to be playing with Major winners?
It is very exciting. I’ve been training in the David Leadbetter academy for the last 10 years and he trained Ernie (Els). I had the chance to play a practice round with him at the HSBC Champions in China before. I haven’t seen him this week but I’ll make sure I talk to him. Hopefully I get a final round pairing with him.

Mithun Perera (Slk) – Second round 66 (-6), Total 136 (-8)

Q. Thoughts on your day?
It is a really long golf course but I’ve been hitting good tee shots without any bogeys in the last two days. I missed a lot of birdie chances and I feel that I could have a lower score. I’ve been playing really good. My long irons and my five wood are really sharp so it doesn’t matter if I’m hitting it short off the tees. I hit two good five wood approaches on the 11th and 12th hole for birdies (from 15 feet and five feet respectively).

Q. Felt you could have gone lower?
I’ve been playing really good. I just didn’t make putts or I would have been much lower. My putting stroke is so good but I had many lipped out birdies. I played better in the first round compared to today but that’s golf.

Q. Nice to be up on the leaderboard?
I’m so happy to be up there on the leaderboard because it is such a long course and the ball doesn’t roll.

Q. Motivation playing with Major winners this week?
I think they are also happy to see young and upcoming players playing on the Asian Tour. It gives us more experience and motivation to be playing with them in the same event. I really want to play with one of them. It doesn’t matter if it is Y.E. Yang, Ernie Els or Thongchai Jaidee. It will be nice to see how they play some good golf.

Q. Is there another low round for you?
My game is really on track. I didn’t have a mistake yet. I just need to hole a couple of putts to really get my game on track. I feel that there’s still another low round for me.

Y.E. Yang (Kor) – Second round 68 (-4), Total 137 (-7)

Today was bogey free. Good day today. Morning was cool and I enjoyed it. A couple of birdies at the end were important. The leader is now -12, so being -7 than -5 is a big different. They were good birdies.

The pins are normally in the left corner or right corner which makes it tough. But this week, they’ve put it more centre which makes it a bit easier but the strong grains on the greens and the slopes make putting difficult on this golf course.

The swing is getting better now. Timing and hitting the shots are good. Yesterday and today was good. Only one bogey and I have had a lot of birdie chances. Missing chances from five feet or seven, eight feet. If I can putt better, the score will be better.

This is my first time playing with Kiradech Aphibarnrat. His mind is strong and his ball striking is good. His iron shots and putting is good. I think he can play PGA Tour. He can go to Web.com tour for a couple of years and there will be no problem for him to play on the PGA Tour. His mind is strong.

At the highest level, the quality of players is not so different. The depth may be a bit stronger but I don’t see any problem for him to play well in America.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha) – Second Round 67 (-5), Total 138 (-6)

It was a good bounce back from me. I was playing well today. My thyroid condition made my hands shake yesterday. I struggled with my putter and the green speed but I’ll try to adjust and practice a bit.

I missed birdie putts on six holes from inside six feet. Even with those misses, I still managed a five-under so that’s a good score.

I’m hitting good. Some of my shots are better than last week but I just can’t make my putts. That’s the result of my two-day total.

Ernie Els (Rsa) – Second Round 71 (-1), Total 140 (-4)

Has it been the greens or the putter that’s held you back?
I don’t know. I thought I hit some good putts. I didn’t hit it as good as yesterday. That wasn’t in my favour. I was always kind of had an uphill battle, had a tough start. Missed a short one on three and three putted five (for bogeys). It wasn’t a great start. I kind of had to fight just to be here for the weekend. I’m going to stick with the short putter for the next two days and hopefully roll some in.

Do you feel you’re still in it?
It’s going to take a lot of work. I’ll go out there with an aggressive mindset tomorrow and hope to get something going. I’ve not had a really low round all year and I would love to have a low round in the next two days. That’s what I’ll be aiming for. It’ll take a lot to win the tournament from where I am. I just want to get some momentum going through the weekend.

With some daylight left, what are you going to do?
I’m going to the putting green. I just want to say that our thoughts are with our former president, President Mandela. He’s going through a bit of a tough time now and as South Africans, we want to wish him all the best and wishes he recovers.

Ends.