Aug 03, 2018: 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?
- 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.
Asian Tour Release
