Kangar: High scores continued to take centerstage as Malaysia’s top professionals continue to find their footing during the second round of the RM125,000 Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Perlis Classic.
With overnight leader Akhmal Tarmizee Mohd Nazari stumbling down the leaderboard after an error-ridden nine-over 81, the stage was set for seasoned campaigners S. Sivachandhran (71) and Md Rashid Ismail (73) to take the halfway lead on two-over 146. Local favourite Airil Rizman Zahari, who grew up playing the tough Putra Golf Club layout, moved into contention with a round of even-par 72 alongside rookie professional Azman Basharuddin, who managed a 74 to lie joint third on 147.
PGM Sime Darby Harvard Classic champion Shaifubari Muda was a further stroke behind on 148 alongside another Perlis-born player Sahal Saedin (75).
A total of 47 players made the halfway cut which came at 15-over 159, one of the highest yet since the burgeoning domestic tour began in December 2012 with most players struggling with the course’s narrow approaches and small greens in windy conditions.
Two-time PGM Tour winner Rashid admitted that the competition was wide open. “The ball is round and really at this point, nobody can be sure who will do well in the end. There are a lot of greens with double breaks; the fairways are also dry, hence your ball can pretty much land anywhere. So you can’t be too aggressive,” he shared.
Sivachandhran was pleased with his effort despite facing a rough back nine. “I am lucky to finish below par. I am happy with my game although the back nine was quite difficult. The par-three 16th was the most difficult with the 10th, 11th and 12th also playing into the wind. The greens were overall better than when I was here during my amateur days,” said the 33-year-old, who noted that he was going to take a more cautious approach over the final two rounds as any small mistakes can results in big numbers.
Leading second round scores
146 – Md Rashid Ismail 73-73; S. Sivachandhran 75-71
147 – Airil Rizman 75-72; Azman Basharuddin 73-74
148 – Shaifubari Muda 73-75; Sahal Saedin 73-75
150 – Nicholas Pua 75-75; R. Nachimuthu 74-76
151 – Zalizan Mad Har 74-77; Wilson Choo 77-74; Sukree Othman 74-77; P. Gunasagaran 74-77; Jeremiah Kim 73-78; M. Ramayah 77-74
152 – Adam Shafiq 74-78; S. Murthy 76-76; Akhmal Tarmizee 71-81
