October 10, 2015: Indian golfers S Chikkarangappa and Gaganjeet Bhullar shot 65 and 69 respectively to move inside the top 10 at the Linkou International GCC. Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines is on track to erase last year’s heartbreak after grabbing a two-shot lead at the weather-shortened Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) on Saturday.
Tabuena, who was defeated by Prom Meesawat on the second play-off hole last year, fired a flawless seven-under-par 65 to lead on 11-under-par 133 in the US$500,000 Asian Tour tournament which has been reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather on Friday.
Rahil Gangjee (69) and Himmat Rai (70) are the other two Indians to make the cut.
Rookie Natipong Srithong of Thailand also shot a 65 to tie for second place alongside home favourite Lin Wen-tang (68) of Chinese Taipei at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club.
Niall Turner of Ireland bounced back from a back injury to share fourth place with Lien Lu-sen of Chinese Taipei and Shaun Norris of South Africa as they posted a 66, 65 and 68 respectively for a 136 total.
Tabuena settled for an easy birdie on the opening hole when his 12-foot eagle putt lipped out. He added three more birdies in each half to put himself in prime position to settle the score.
“I want to seek vengeance. Hopefully I can get it done tomorrow. I know I’m playing well at the moment. There are a few players behind me including Lin Wen-tang. But I’m not worried. If he can go low so can I,” said the 20-year-old.
Tabuena said he is more matured now after winning four titles on the local circuit this year including the Order of Merit title.
“If I stick to my game plan and focus on myself and the course, then I can get it done. In the past when I was in the final group, I always played against the opponent and not the course but I’ve matured now and won’t make the same mistake,” said the Filipino.
Lin, a six-time Asian Tour winner, hopes to become the first local winner since 2011 after charging into contention with six birdies against two bogeys.
“I’m happy with my result. I think I’ll give myself a score of 95 out of 100. Somebody told me to shoot five-under tomorrow but I don’t want to think about a number. I just want to hit my ball and take my chances when it comes,” said the 41-year-old Lin.
The 22-year-old Natipong was the surprise package at the Yeangder TPC as he was playing in only his second tournament as a professional after joining the play-for-pay ranks two months ago.
“I’m very excited and nervous because I’m in position to win my first professional title. If I win, I will get an Asian Tour card and I don’t have to go to Qualifying School next year!” laughed the Thai, who fired eight birdies.
Turner, who stands at about 190 centimetres tall, was proud to bounce back from a disappointing injury earlier this year.
“It is a great feeling after what I’ve been through. I felt miserable in the first six months I was injured. I’m delighted to be back and playing well. I had a tear near my lower back and a few hip issues. It was an awful first six months so I’m glad to be back and in contention,” said the 32-year-old.
The cut was set on even-par 144 with a total of 71 players qualifying for the final round.
Scores after round 2 of the Yeangder TPC being played at the par 72, 7108 Yards Linkou GcC course (am – denotes amateur):
133 – Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 68-65.
135 – Natipong SRITHONG (THA) 70-65, LIN Wen-tang (TPE) 67-68.
136 – Niall TURNER (IRL) 70-66, LIEN Lu-sen (TPE) 71-65, Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 68-68.
137 – Keith HORNE (RSA) 69-68.
138 – Chikka S. (IND) 73-65, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 69-69, Danny CHIA (MAS) 71-67.
