Tawit hits a sizzling 64 to share lead with Chanachok
Chiang Rai – Unfancied Tawit Polthai shot a superb 64 to share the midway lead with last leg’s champion Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol in the Bt5.3 million Singha Masters at the Santi Buri Country Club yesterday.
The 23-year-old from Chanthaburi-based Tawit whose best finish in five years of professional career was at tied third in the All Thailand Tour’s 2015 Singha Open in Hua Hin sprinkled his round with nine birdies (five successive from the 12 th to 16 th holes) against a lone bogey on the 10 th hole for a halfway total of 10 under-par-134.
“I have had five straight birdies many times but never more than that. I was trying to go for the six straight but it never worked as usual,” said Tawit who was disappointed by his dismal form in the previous All Thailand series in Rayong a fortnight ago where he missed the cut with 10 over. He returned home to go back to basic training and it paid dividends this week.
“I had to fix my techniques after Raying and came here just to see where my game was. I had a good round today, Everything was perfect.”
However, Tawit, whose only win was just a local Tour Challenge, will have to deal with an unfamiliar territory by playing in the last squad along with the 2016 All Thailand Tour rookie of the year Chanachok amidst high attention from the media and fans this morning.
“To be honest , I was nervous since the cameramen were following me today. I have to stay focused and concentrate on my game. I may need to talk to my parents as they always give the best advice.”
Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol
Chanachok who beat Pavit Tangkamolprasert in the play-off two weeks ago for his maiden Tour win in Rayong had an uneven round of one eagle (on 13th) , four birdies and four bogeys for a 68 and a total 134. Back-to-back wins began to occur in his mind.
“I’d love to do that but I have to bring on my best game. I have made nine bogeys in two days which is too many. I need to cut down my error to one bogey per round for Saturday and Sunday,” said Chanachok.
Falling a shot behind was overnight co-leader Rattanon Wannasrichan who shot a 70 for an overall nine under-par-135. The other overnight leader Pawin Ingkhapradit hit a 71 for a total 136.
