Port Dickson [NEGERI SEMBILAN]: Arie Irawan produced a flawless five-under-par 66 to extend his advantage at the halfway stage of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Port Dickson Championship on Thursday.
The talented Malaysian, who is gunning for his maiden professional victory, rolled in five birdies for a two-day total of 11-under-par 131 at the Port Dickson Golf and Country Club.
American Brett Munson, who also shot a 66, trails by two shots while compatriot Roberto Galletti lies in third position following a 68 on 134 total in the RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) ADT event.
Joint overnight leader Wisut Artjanawat of Thailand slipped to tied-15th after signing for a disappointing 74.
Arie, ranked sixth place on the ADT Order of Merit, is determined to push for a breakthrough win this week after finishing tied second in Sarawak a fortnight ago. “I played very consistently today and I didn’t make any mistakes. I kept to the game plan and I’m feeling a lot more confidence in my game right now as I’ve been hitting the ball really well,” said Arie.
“This is my 10th tournament in a row. I’m feeling a little tired but I will try to manage my time properly this week so that I can get enough rest. It has been my aim to break into top-five on the merit rankings since the start of the season. I hope I can do it this week,” added the 24-year-old University of Tulsa graduate.
Munson, a one-time ADT champion, put on a flawless display courtesy of a hot putter which led him to a 133 total. A second win is on his radar this week after enjoying a solid season where he made all the cuts in his last eight ADT events while chalking up four top-five results.
“I played solid today. I avoided making mistakes and I putted really well. I hope I can continue to play like how I have been playing in the next two rounds and try to chase for a second win this week,” said the 28-year-old Munson.
The halfway cut was set at two-over-par with a total of 51 players progressing into the final two rounds.
Leading second round scores (Malaysian unless stated):
131 – Arie Irawan 65-66
133 – Brett Munson (USA) 67-66
134 – Roberto Galletti (USA) 66-68
135 – Sam Brazel (AUS) 68-67
136 – Khor Kheng Hwai 69-67, Ryan Yip (USA) 69-67
137 – Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA) 68-69, Alex Kang (USA) 67-70, Airil Rizman Zahari 70-67
138 – Koh Dengshan (SIN) 68-70, Thammanoon Sriroj (THA) 70-68, Sattaya Supupramai (THA) 70-68, Guy Woodman (ENG) 69-69, Nakarintra Ratanakul (THA) 69-69
