KAJANG [Selangor]: Thailand bothers Donlaphatchai and Natthapong Niyomchon blazed a hot trail in the second round of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) UMW Impian Championship on Thursday.

Donlaphatchai fired a fine seven-under 65 to move two shots clear at the RM180,000 tournament with a 10-under-par 134 total, ahead of local Kemarol Baharin, who carded a 69 and fellow Thai Sutiyet Kooratanapisan (67).

Natthapong, meanwhile, shot an eight-under 64 – just two shots off Rashid Ismail’s course record at Impian Golf & Country Club.

The 26-year-old, who is seeking for his first victory outside his native Thailand, was joint fourth on seven-under-par 137, alongside compatriots Smithti Teeratrakul (69) and Settee Prakongvech, who also had a 65, and Indonesia’s William Sjaichudin (69).

Pleased with his showing today Natthapong said he was happy to play himself into contention and with his ability to stay focused in the heat of the battle.

“The competition is very tough in these events as there are many good players. So for me to a low score today and get myself among the leaders is good,” he added.

Natthapong had nine birdies in his round – three over the front nine and six on the homeward stretch, including a run of four-on-the-trot from #12. His only blemish of the day was a bogey four at the par-3 #7.

“I putted very well today,” he said. “I played some iron shots and I drove the ball well off the tee box, but my putting was what was really good – so I am very happy at the moment.”

Leading second round scores:
134 – Donlaphatchai Niyomchon (THA) 69-65
136 – Kemarol Baharin 65-69, Sutijet Kooratanapisan (THA) 69-67
137 – Natthapong Niyomchon (THA) 73-64, Smithti Teeratrakul (THA) 68-69, Settee Prakongvech (THA) 72-65, William Sjaichudin (INA) 67-69
138 – Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari 69-69, R.Nachimuthu 72-66
139 – Nicholas Fung 70-69, Supravee Phatam (THA) 69-70