Thai swings to HK Open lead as homegrown trio make cut

Sean Moore

Phachara Khongwatmai rode a round of seven-under-par 63, highlighted by 10 birdies, all the way to the top of leaderboard halfway through the Hong Kong Open at Fanling.

The sparkling round gave the 24-year-old Thai rising star a 12-under 128 total through 36 holes and a one-shot lead over Cameron Smith heading into the weekend of this Asian Tour International Series tournament at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

There was some outrageous skill shown but also a fair share of lucky bounces enjoyed across a round that came peppered also with three bogeys - a fact Phachara was quick to acknowledge.

“Today I was very lucky. Normally it’s not like this [but] I’ll take it,” he said. 

“My mindset for the weekend is to just play my game. Just now I am hitting the tee shots better and I think I have a chance.”

Perhaps it’s the Thai’s time after a season that has seen him come close to a second career win - as four top-10 finishes show. 

Keeping him honest will be Australian Smith, the former Open Championship winner and first-round leader who signed for a four-under 66.

That left Smith on 11-under 129 and in a tie for second with South Korean Bae Sang Moon, who shot 63.

“Early start this morning and the body wasn’t really working,” explained Smith. “But it was good to get out there. It was firmer and faster than we expected and it should be an interesting weekend.”

Local hero Taichi Kho had to wait all afternoon with one eye on the leaderboard after five birdies on his back nine gave him a 68 that left him bang on the cut line at two-under 138. 

He’ll be joined in today's third round by a surprise packet in amateur Shen Wang-ngai, who leads all Hongkongers on five-under 135 after carding a second-round 67, as well as Matthew Cheung, who shot 67 for a 138 total.

“I’m just so excited and happy,” said the 20-year-old Shen. “My putting just gave me confidence.”