Thailand's Thanyakon Khrongpha said he was pleased with his iron shots (AFP)
Himmat Rai and Thanyakon Khrongpha showed just why they are considered the emerging stars of Asia when they shared the opening clubhouse lead at the weather-hit ICTSI Philippine Open on Thursday.
Himmat Rai and Thanyakon Khrongpha showed just why they are considered the emerging stars of Asia when they shared the opening clubhouse lead at the weather-hit ICTSI Philippine Open on Thursday.
Rai of India and Thailand's Thanyakon shot matching four-under-par 68s to take a one-shot lead at the challenging Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Manila.
Veteran Wang Ter-chang of Taiwan, who at the age of 49 is more than 20 years the senior of the clubhouse leaders, was tied in third with an in-form Berry Henson of the United States and Peter Karmis of South Africa.
Local hopes Marvin Dumandan, Mars Pucay and Jay Bayron were also bunched up in third in the $300,000 Asian Tour tournament.
Play was suspended at 2.30 pm due to lightning for one hour and 25 minutes, which led to the suspension of the first round. A total of 12 players will resume play at 6.45 am on Friday.
Playing from the back nine, Rai, who is chasing his maiden Asian Tour victory, turned in a 32 highlighted by a huge 25 feet birdie putt on the 14th hole.
"You need to keep the ball in play and that's what I did. If you find the fairways, you have a very strong chance of scoring because the greens are excellent," said the 23-year-old, who registered one birdie and a bogey in his homeward nine.
The highly rated Thanyakon, just 20, said: "My iron shots were excellent. This is a very difficult golf course and you need to stay patient."
Veteran Wang, winner of the 1992 Philippine Open, rolled back the years as he stayed in touch with the clubhouse leaders.
"This is a short golf course which requires accuracy and that suits my game because of my age. I'm weaker now compared to the younger players but it will be a good test as I'm preparing for the Senior Tour," said the four-time Asian Tour winner.
Filipino Dumandan, who has won three titles on the local circuit, was unlucky not to go lower when numerous birdie putts lipped out.
"This is a great start for me, I could have gone lower but it is okay. I haven't played much outside the country and this is my opportunity to play in an international setting," he said.
© 2011 AFP/sid
