Boonma goes on a birdie riot, in lead

BENGALURU: From a golfing perspective, the Open Championship last month played a hand in Danthai Boonma running amok at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA). The genial Thai may not have made an impact in his maiden appearance at a Major by missing cut, but the swirling conditions at Carnoustie prepared him for the future.

Having been through worse, the wind on Friday appeared to blow gently, and in the seemingly easy conditions Boonma shot a 10-under 61, one of the lowest scores to par at KGA. There was preferred lies on Day 2 of the Take Solutions Masters as well, but that in no way should undermine his effort, considering that it gave him a healthy five-shot lead.

At one point, it appeared Boonma would render the remainder of the tournament meaningless by starting with seven birdies off as many holes. The 22-year-old was at a loss to explain his run i nto t he unknown, mumbling that it was about keeping it close to the pin. Of course, he had some history to fall back on after overnight leader Thammanoon Sriroj’s five consecutive birdies on Thursday, but Boonma, who has been playing sensible golf to rack up some strong finishes on the Asian Tour this season, wasn’t trying to get ahead of himself.

Boonma would like to believe that his lucky charm had a role to play as well. Shortly before teeoff, Boonma realised he had left the pendant in the room. He sighed with relief that the hotel was adjoining the golf course and made it in time to commence a run that promises to end a threeyear title drought.

LEADERBOARD

127: Danthai Boonma (66, 61)

132: Miguel Carballo (66, 66); Maverick Antcliff (67, 65)

133: S Chikkarangappa (69, 64)

134: SSP Chawrasia (69, 65)

135: Viraj Madappa (70, 65); Suradit Yongcharoenchai (66, 69)

(Cut applied at 1-under 141)