Rattanon shares Myanmar Open lead
Thai shares top place with American Peterson
>> YANGON: Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan remained in the driver’s seat along with American Paul Peterson as they stayed ahead of the chasing pack after the second round of the Myanmar Open yesterday.
Peterson hauled himself back into contention with a five-under-par 66 while Rattanon’s excellent short game ensured he sign for a 69 and share the day’s honour.
Peterson, who lost his playing status in Europe, had an encouraging run with five top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour in the last quarter of 2017.
Although he missed the cut in the season-opener in Singapore last week, the left-handed American believes he has the game to contend for the Myanmar Open title after compiling a two-day total of eight-under-par 134.
Peterson said: “I got off to a fine start. I hit some quality wedge shots in the beginning and gave myself several scoring opportunities. I felt like I was in control of my golf balls and I’m really happy.
“I’ve been trying to rehydrate and get my energy back after suffering from a heat stroke in Singapore last week.
“It was a big adjustment for me having to go from Virginia in the US to the tropical heat here. I finished strongly last year and I feel I still have much of that momentum. It was a growth year for me having lost my card in Europe. It made me appreciate every single start I had. I gained a lot of perspective last year. I really to do my best to get back out there.”
Rattanon was left to rue several costly mistakes because of his bad tee shots but had his putter to thank for keeping him in the lead at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club.
“I didn’t hit the ball as well as yesterday. I missed several fairways and only managed to return with a twounder-par. My putting saved me today as I managed to sink several long putts. The round was okay except for two bad holes on 16 and 17. I will try to play my best and play shot by shot this weekend. I have to stay patient as that will be the key for me this week,” Rattanon said.
Micah Lauren Shin of the United States continued his good form by returning with a 66 despite hitting four balls into the water hazards.
The 2017 Asian Tour rookie of the year shared third place with South Korea’s Park Jun-Won and Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura at the US$750,000 event that is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).
Star attraction Ryo Ishikawa of Japan missed the weekend cut which was set at even-par.