Poom makes big impact on debut
Thai tied second after flawless 65 on day one
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand’s Poom Saksansin made an early statement by opening with a flawless seven-under-par 65 to take a share of second place at the US$7 million (approximately 230 million baht) CIMB Classic yesterday.
The cherubic Thai made a huge impression in his debut appearance when he fired seven birdies including four on the trot after the turn at the TPC Kuala Lumpur.
Poom, together with Americans Keegan Bradley and Xander Schauffele, trail Australian Cameron Smith by a single shot heading into the second round.
“My iron shots and putting were good. I holed a lot of putts today,” said Poom, who is making his first appearance at the event and also his first start on the PGA Tour. “I played without any expectations. I just kept playing and the ball kept going in. This is a big event but there is no cut so I’ was not under much pressure. I just want to play well here.”
Poom is a two-time Asian Tour winner. He won his first title in Indonesia last year before injuring his back. He returned to his best form, winning the Take Solutions Masters in India in August. He also finished tied second in Japan last month.
Smith returned to the scene of his early Asian Tour playing days, producing a sparkling 64.
The Australian, who came through the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2014, was one of the revelations that year where he also finished tied-fifth at the CIMB Classic. He finished second once followed by five top-10 finishes.
“It was pretty simple really, hit a lot of good shots today and made a lot of good putts,” said Smith. “The putting was made pretty easy, ball striking today stood out for me so it was a good round.”
Smith had his most successful season on the PGA Tour this year, finishing 46 in the final FedExCup standings on the strength of four top-10s and his first career win at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Other notable Thai scorers were Phachara Khongwatmai, who was tied eighth after a 67, and Jazz Janewattananond, who shot a 70 and was in a group that was tied for 23rd place including the two-time defending champion and PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas of the US.