Asian Golfers Bring Their Game On During Round Two Of Maybank Malaysian Open 2013
Kuala Lumpur, 22 March 2013 – Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat birdied the ninth hole to hold a one-shot edge over second round clubhouse leaders Wu Ashun of China and former Masters winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa at the prestigious Maybank Malaysian Open 2013 today.
First round leader Kiradech completed only nine holes of his second round when play was suspended at 7.25pm due to fading light at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club following another day of inclement weather.
The burly Thai, fourth at the Avantha Masters in India last week, stood at 10-under for the US$2.75 million tournament sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour after making birdies on the third, fourth and ninth holes.
Wu Ashun of China’s return to the Maybank Malaysian Open seems to be a good one as he produced a solid four-under-par 68 to tie Schwartzel, who also carded a 68, on nine-under-par 135.
Fresh off the course, Wu said "I’m very happy today and my putting is good. I read the lines very well and that made me relax out there. That worked for me which explained my good score".
Wu whose last visit to Malaysia was in 2010 is happy to be back, in the tournament and visiting his old Asian Tour friends. "I think it’s important to play with a strategy in mind this week and choosing the right clubs to use will matter as well. I’ve been in a good form lately and I hope to maintain that".
Malaysian amateur star Gavin Green was definitely one of the local favourites today. Gavin became the first Malaysian amateur in 10 years to qualify for the weekend rounds at the Maybank Malaysian Open after posting an impressive four-under-par 68 in the second round.
The 19-year-old Malaysian Amateur champion, who is studying at the University of New Mexico, carded five birdies against a lone bogey at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club for a two-day total of three-under-par 141.
Appreciating the experience to play side-by-side professionals who are around the same age as he is, namely Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 Champion Matteo Manassero and current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Gaganjeet Bhullar, Gavin said "It was nice playing with Matteo and Gaganjeet. Their irons are really good, always straight at the pin. I really want to break the top-20, that’s my goal right now".
The second round was especially challenging to many of the professionals due to the unpredictable weather. The tournament was suspended a couple of times today, which was was seen as both a blessing and a hindrance by the golfers. The rain however did not effect the condition of the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. Earlier in the day, Charl Schwartzel, "These golf courses are the best in the world when it comes to draining. It was some storm last night. When we drove out last night, I saw all the bunkers had just been washed away but you come out this morning it doesn’t even look like there’s been rain."
It is still anyone’s game at the moment at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013 however the Asians are putting up a strong front. More action awaits this weekend thus golf enthusiasts would not want to miss it. For information on the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, visit www.maybankmalaysianopen.com or follow us on Twitter @maybankmsiaopen or #maybankmalaysianopen. Tickets for the event are available now. For information on ticketing, please go to www.ticketpro.com.my.