Manila: Malaysian number one Nicholas Fung played himself into contention after a sensational second round of eight-under 64 at the US$750,000 Resorts World Manila Masters on Friday.
The 23-year-old Sabahan carded four birdies either side of the turn at Southwoods Golf & Country Club to lie one shot off the lead alongside Spanish rookie Carlos Pigem, England’s Chris Rodgers and Thailand Prom Meesawat at the Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club.
Overnight leader Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand remained in prime position of becoming the second youngest professional winner on the Asian Tour after he posted a three-under-par 69 to grab a share of the halfway lead with Philippines’ Angelo Que and Canada’s Richard T. Lee.
Fung, who currently leads the rankings on the secondary Asian Development Tour (ADT), is delighted to be putting his experience on playing on the ADT to good advantage.
“I have played a couple of Asian Tour events this year and I have been enjoying it so far. I gained experience and I learn a lot from playing with the Asian Tour professionals too,” said Fung.
“It was not as windy as yesterday when I played in the afternoon so I guess that was an advantage for me. Both my driving and putting were solid today. I just hope to maintain my form and continue to play well tomorrow,” said the 23-year-old Fung.
The 17-year-old Janewattananond could follow in the footsteps of Korea’s Noh Seung-yul by winning his first title on the region’s premier Tour at a tender age after shaking off the effects of flu.
“I try not to think too much about winning yet as I believe the key to doing well is to have fun. I’m beginning to feel very comfortable around this golf course and I’m enjoying myself,” said Jazz, who turned professional one day before his 15th birthday at the King’s Cup in Thailand in 2010.
“I was struggling to finish my round yesterday and it was a pleasant surprise when I took the lead. I missed a couple of putts today but it was alright, I’m well now and hopefully this good run will continue,” added the Hua Hin native, who compiled a two-day total of 11-under-par 133.
Que kept the local hopes alive when he fired a 66 to remain firmly in contention for his first Asian Tour win on home soil in five years.The three-time Asian Tour winner’s last home victory on the region’s premier Tour was in 2008 when he won his country’s national Open.
“I’ve been playing with a lot of confidence since finishing fourth in India last week. I am in top form coming back to play on home soil this week. It’s good to see my wife following me throughout my round. It’s easier to play when I know my family is close by. I’m more relaxed on the course too,” said the 34-year-old, who marked his card with eight birdies against two bogeys.
Lee, who has yet to drop a shot this week, is also bracing himself for an enthralling weekend ahead. The rookie overcame the windy conditions to mark his card with birdies on holes four, seven, 11 and 17.
“It was getting windy out there just like yesterday’s afternoon but I told myself not to make any mistakes. The last two rounds are going to be pretty interesting! I will keep to my own game plan for the next two rounds and we will see how it goes,” said Lee.
