Kiradech surges to second as bad light suspends play on day two
>> SPIJK: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat powered his way to within one shot of the second-round lead when he posted a six-under-par 65 at the KLM Open on Friday.
Kiradech, the 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, compiled a two-day total of nine-under-par 133 to head into the weekend rounds of the European Tour event in second place, behind France’s Joel Stalter.
The play was suspended because of bad light with nearly half the field still to complete their second rounds on Friday.
Thursday’s afternoon session was also wiped out by bad weather, and the tournament was playing catch-up on Friday.
“I hit the ball really well today and hit a lot of great shots so it’s all been very positive. I only made one mistake today when I drove the ball into the water on the 11th but I made a great up and down there for bogey and then after that I played great,” said Kiradech.
“Everything about my game is so sharp right now, especially my iron play. I’m still hitting a few putts which I am not happy with, but the rest of the game is in great shape.”
Stalter shot a 67 to take a one-stroke clubhouse lead before bad light suspended play with nearly half the field still to complete their second rounds.
Stalter followed up his openinground 65 to move to 10 under-par on Friday and stay in contention for a first victory in his first year on the European Tour.
Spain’s Carlos Pigem, a one-time Asian Tour winner, signed for a 67 to take a share of 26th place on 139 while Australia’s Sam Brazel is a further shot back in tied-35th place after he posted rounds of 73 and 67 for a 140 total.
Lee Westwood shot a 65, containing six birdies and no dropped shots, and was three shots off the pace.