Emotional Kiradech stays close to Koepka
SHANGHAI: Kiradech Aphibarnrat fought back tears after playing through pain and emotion on the day of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s funeral to card one of his greatest rounds at the WGC-HSBC Champions yesterday.
The 28-year-old Thai was tied second with Malaysia’s Gavin Green at the US$9.75 million (approximately 322 million baht) event, going on a magical run of seven birdies on the spin for seven-under-par 65.
The duo were one shot behind US Open champion Brooks Koepka who seized the first-round lead with a 64.
World No.1 Dustin Johnson of the United States had a solid day at Sheshan International Golf Club and was tied 11th on fourunder-par 68.
But 2016 champion Hideki Matsuyama of Japan had a nightmare opening to the defence of his crown, carding a forlorn 74 that left him struggling down in 67th.
Koepka, the American whose first major title came at Erin Hills in June, said triumphing at the US Open had ramped up his confidence.
“Any time you win, you’re going to have confidence and especially when it’s a major,” he said after carding seven birdies and an eagle.
“I feel really good, game feels good. I just want to close out this calendar year really well and start the year off well.”
Kiradech, a three-time winner on the European Tour, pulled off the feat just as tens of thousands of black-clad mourners massed across Bangkok’s historic heart to bid farewell to their beloved king, who died on Oct 13 last year.
Kiradech was also dressed in black and with tears in his eyes said after his superb opening round: “It’s not a good day, we are remembering our king who passed away nearly one year ago.
“It’s very upsetting in our country,” he said, stuttering over his words as emotion took hold.
“Our king will be forever in our hearts, but the show must go on and I need to keep doing my job.
“It would be a great honour if I could win and take this trophy back to Thailand and dedicate it to our late king.”