Jun 08, 2018: Little known Sarit Suwannarut of Thailand emerged as the surprise package at the US$300,000 Thailand Open after grabbing the second round clubhouse lead on Friday.
Playing in only his second Asian Tour tournament, the big-hitting 20-year-old averaged 322.5 yards en-route to a second straight five-under-par 65 as he leads the weather interrupted tournament on 10-under-par 130.
India’s Chikkarangappa S, shot an even par-70 with two birdies and an equal number of bogeys. He is lying at T7. Other Indian golfers Gaganjeet Bhullar, Viraj Madappa, Rahil Gangjee and Chiragh Kumar make the cut and all four golfers were lying at T58 before the round got suspended. Rashid Khan played a solid round too for his 68.
The Thailand Open was suspended at 6.45pm due to darkness after thunderstorms halted play for more than an hour in the morning. A total of five players will return on Saturday at 6.45am to complete round two.
Sarit, who joined the play-for-pay ranks earlier this year, produced a flawless card highlighted by five birdies to lead by one-shot from Panuphol Pittayarat, who equalled the week’s low round of 64, on his home course at the Thai Country Club.
After changing his driver for the sixth time, Poom Saksansin fired a solid 66 to charge into contention for a third Asian Tour victory on a 132 total.
The little known Sarit pursued his studies at the Virginia Tech University in the United States last year before returning to Thailand to pursue his golf career. He is a regular on the local Tour and has won two out of three long drive competitions in 2018.
Playing without any expectations this week, Sarit has only dropped one shot in 36 holes and is in prime position to win his first Asian Tour title.
Asian Tour Release
