Ajeetesh Sandhu stays in the hunt at Maekyung Open

Ajeetesh Sandhu braved gusting winds to score an even 71 to remain just two behind the leader Dongha Lee.

By Latha 4 May 2018

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Ajeetesh Sandhu leads rd 1 of 37th GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship

May 04, 2018: India’s Ajeetesh Sandhu continued to put himself in a commanding position after signing for a second round even-par-71 to stay atop the leaderboard at the 37th GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship on Friday.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and S.Chikkarangappa are ready to break the Korean stronghold as they moved inside the top-10 by carding matching 70s to share ninth place with K.T. Kim, Sunghyun Oh and J.B Park of Korea.

Playing under gusty conditions at the Namseoul Country Club, Sandhu was pleased to have passed the severe test of skill and patience as he compiled a two-day total of four-under-par 138 to remain as one of the front runners for the KR?1,000,000,000 (approx. US$925,000) event which is making its return to the Asian Tour schedule for the first time since 2009.

“It was a lot tougher today with the swirling winds and I felt it was really difficult out there. At least the winds died down after the thunderstorms yesterday. But today, they were everywhere which made it tough to hit a shot.

“But the good thing is I’m playing well and anytime you’re close to the lead, you know you have a chance of doing well. I’m happy with where I’m now,” said Sandhu.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond is also delighted with his performance after returning with a 70, which has put him in the mix.

Having played only one practice round earlier in the week, the Thai is beginning to familiarise himself well with the course and is thankful of the partnership he has struck well with his caddie, Nick Pugh.

“It’s good to be heading into the weekend rounds in a good position. But I have to say it was a very tough round again. Although it was not raining like yesterday, it was very windy and it was tough to get around the golf course. The constant winds and gust just change direction so often and the greens are fast.

“I have a good relationship with my caddie, Nick and we bounce lots of ideas off each other. I’m not going to change much of strategy. We talk a lot and if there’s anything that needs to be fixed, he’ll tell. But right now, we are good,” said Jazz.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond took outright fourth place following a 70 while India’s Shiv Kapur is tied for fifth together with Korea’s Dongmin Kim, Sanghyun Park and Dongseop Maeng at the KR?1,000,000,000 (approx. US$925,000) event.