Kuantan: Reigning Malaysian Games (SUKMA) champion Albright Chong trails closely behind unheralded Kevin Marques of Australia at the halfway stage of the 111th Malaysian Amateur Open on Friday.
Sixteen-year-old Albright, who was part of the all-conquering Sabah team at the SUKMA XV last year, carded a four-under 67 at the Royal Pahang Gof Club to lie two strokes off the lead in third.
Wielding a hot putter in overcast conditions, joint overnight leader Kevin carded a tournament best five-under 66 to take the sole lead ahead of highly-fancied compatriot Taylor MacDonald (67).
Singapore’s Jerome Ng nailed a 66 of his own to leap into a share of fifth alongside countrymen Nicklaus Chiam (70) on 138 with 2012 runner-up Poom Saksansin of Thailand (70) and Christopher Robert Brown (69) a further shot adrift.
National junior champion Low Khai Jei, who was in a four-way tie for the lead yesterday, slipped down the leaderboard with a round of five-over 76.
Despite opening with a bogey, Albright regained his composure quickly to birdie the next to make the turn level for the day. He turned on the style with four birdies on the back nine to come around as the best placed Malaysian in the field.
“I thought the key out there was to putt well and I wasn’t missing anything within 20 feet, which was great. It’s always nice to come back to a golf course where you have won before because you settle in quickly and I’m very comfortable around this layout. I’m in a good position but I will need to get it right on the short stuff over the next two days,” said Albright.
Queenslander Kevin was not complaining after a faultless display of five birdies but hopes to do better over the weekend.
“Any round without a bogey is good and I struck the ball well and did not miss a green today. I gave myself plenty of opportunities out there today but didn’t make as many birdies as I would have loved, especially around the middle,” he shared, adding that he was enjoying the seaside tract.
“I grew up in Darwin, so I’m well acclimatised to the tropical weather and the conditions are just perfect. The drizzle kept it a little cool today and the light breeze from the sea really helps, especially as the heat soars towards the afternoon,” added Kevin.
A total of 62 players, including 27 Malaysians, advanced into Saturday’s third round with the halfway cut coming at 13-over-par 155.
Leading second round scores
134 – Kevin Marques (AUS) 68-66
135 – Taylor MacDonald (AUS) 68-67
136 – Albright Chong 69-67
138 – Nicklaus Chiam (SIN) 68-70, Jerome Ng (SIN) 72-66
139 – Poom Saksansin (THA)69-70, Christopher Robert Brown (AUS) 70-69
140 – Thaznim Hamdan 70-70; Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol (THA) 70-70; Abel Tam (MAS) 71-69
141 – Marc Ong (SIN) 71-70, Solomon Emilio Rosidin 69-72
