Peterson retains Sarawak lead
KUCHING: Paul Peterson of the United States maintained his lead at t he US$300,000 Sarawak Championship by shooting a second round five-under-par 67 yesterday.
The 30-year-old Peterson, who is playing in his second Asian Tour event after taking a six-week break, stayed ahead of the chasing pack on 14-under-par 130 at the inaugural Asian Tour event.
In-form Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand kept up his chase for a second successive victory after posting a 66 to share second place with John Catlin of the United States (65) and Kevin Lee of Korea (65) on 132.
Thai legend Thammanoon Sriroj produced the tournament’s first hole-in-one when he aced the par-three eighth hole with a pitching wedge from 137 yards. He ended the day on a 73 to make the cut on the number. A total of 72 players qualified for the last two rounds on 141.
A recharged Peterson fired six birdies against one bogey but the highlight of his round came when he holed a clutch 20-foot birdie putt on the eighth hole. He was delighted to rediscover his form after visiting his family in the United States.
“I was talking to my coaches after the round yesterday and the message was to stay patient. I came out to get off to a hot start again so that felt really good to get a couple of putts to fall early. That always helps you work your way into the round,” said Peterson.
The 22-year-old Jazz, who won the Queen’s Cup last Sunday, eagled the 17th hole from 24 feet to trail Peterson by two shots.
“It was another good day in the office. I started off quite slowly but I holed some late birdies and an eagle so I’m really happy,” said Jazz.