Langkawi [KEDAH]: Wilson Choo continued his good form by shooting a five-under-par 67 to extend his lead at the halfway stage of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) LADA Langkawi Championship on Thursday.

The joint overnight leader compiled a two-day total of 13-under-par 131 to open up a three-shot lead over Thailand’s Natthapong Niyomchon, who carded a 66, at the RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Thailand’s Nattapong Putta, who held a share of the first round lead, signed for a 71 to sit in third place with American Micah Lauren Shin, who posted a 67, at the Gunung Raya Golf Resort.

Arie Irawan, the highest ranked Malaysian in the world, returned with a 66 to stay five shots off the pace in fifth place while four other players, including Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing and local amateur Low Khai Jei, shared sixth on 137.

Choo double bogeyed the 11th hole after losing focus but regained momentum when he holed a 30-footer eagle on the 15th hole before closing with a birdie to keep up his chase for a first ADT win.

“I scrambled a little bit but it was still a good round. I had a good start but I struggled on the 11th and 14th holes. I got a bit nervous and lost my focus but I was glad I managed to recover from it,” said the 25-year-old Choo.

“I’m happy to be in the lead. I will stick to the same game plan for the next two rounds. Everything will be the same for me. Hopefully I can continue to play well and get my first win on the ADT,” added Choo.

Leading second round scores >
131 – Wilson Choo 64-67
134 – Natthapong Niyomchon (THA) 68-66
135 – Nattapong Putta (THA) 64-71, Micah Lauren Shin (USA) 68-67
136 – Arie Irawan 70-66
137 – Janne Kaske (FIN) 67-60, Lam Chih Bing (SIN) 70-67, Nakarinta Ratanakul (THA) 70-67, Low Khai Jei (A) 67-70
138 – Torben Baumann (GER) 65-73, Masaru Takahashi (JPN) 70-68, Jack Munro (AUS) 70-68, Shaaban Hussin 71-67, Brett Munson (USA) 70-68, Pasamet Pogamnerd (THA) 67-71