Natipong tied for Asia-Pacific lead
Thai star cards his second consecutive 67 to share Asia-Pacific Classic lead with Catlin
>> HENAN: Natipong Srithong of Thailand shot a five-under-par 67 to grab a share of the halfway lead at the AsiaPacific Classic yesterday.
The one-time Asian Tour champion had a near flawless round, carding six birdies against a lone bogey to sign for his second consecutive 67 at the St Andrews Golf Club here in China.
John Catlin of the United States shared the lead with Natipong on 10-under-par 134 total.
The 27-year-old continued his outstanding run of form as he carded a 66 at the tournament, which is cosanctioned by the Asian Tour and the China Golf Association (CGA).
Catlin, who has recently finished in the top-10 in two consecutive Asian Tour tournaments, had a bogey on the first hole but recovered brilliantly with an eagle on the following hole.
American Charlie Saxon displayed the form that led to two titles on the China Golf Tour as he returned with a bogey-free 66.
He fought through a stomach ache to card four birdies and an eagle for a two-day total of 135.
Adam Blyth of Australia began his second round steadily and ended the day with a birdie blitz.
Blyth, who started on tee 10, made his first birdie after the turn on the second hole then made five consecutive birdies from holes five to nine to finish with a 66 for a total of 136.
“I’m very happy with my play so far. I haven’t been playing very well this year as I missed a lot of cuts. But after these two rounds, my confidence is coming back,” Natipong said.
“I am working hard on my driver as well as three-wood shots off the tee and keeping the ball on the fairway. I was driving very badly previously, but it has changed for the better this week. You have to keep off the rough here, otherwise, you may have problems keeping the ball on the green. My putting has also been very good this week.
“I made a birdie from about 25 feet on my last hole yesterday. Today, the good thing was that I didn’t have to make such long putts for birdies as my approach shots were good. I’ll keep to my plan for Saturday and Sunday, that is, to keep the ball on the fairway.”
Catlin said: I’m tired, but happy! I’m happy with my play and I’m glad that all my hard work is beginning to show.”