Shah Alam [SELANGOR]: Local star Nicholas Fung was among the clubhouse leaders in the second round of the weather interrupted Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Northport Glenmarie Championship on Thursday.
The Sabahan battled through illness to return with a one-under-par 71 for a six-under-par 138 total which was matched by American Blake Snyder (68), who aced the 149-yard 12th hole, Jordan Irawan (72) of Indonesia and Thai veteran Thammanoon Sriroj (69).
Airil Rizman of Malaysia was a further shot back in fifth place following a 70 at the RM200,000 (approximately US$50,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event staged at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.
Bad weather forced officials to stop play at 4.58pm with a total of 25 players still on the course. They will return on Friday at 7.30am to resume their rounds.
Nicholas continued to shine at the tract where he won in 2012 and finished top-five in the last two editions.
“I know this course very well so I’m quite confident here. I’ll rest today and hopefully recover for the final two rounds,” said the 25-year-old Nicholas.
Despite feeling under the weather, the 12-time winner on the flourishing domestic circuit, carried on bravely and returned with four birdies against three bogeys.
“It was a good result but I really struggled to finish. I’ve been sick (fever, dehydration and weak) since yesterday before my round. My brother (Kelvin) who is my caddy this week was sick during the practice round so I think I was infected,” said Nicholas.
“To be honest, I have to thank my brother. He kept me under an umbrella most of the time and made sure I drank lots of water. I tried my best to play like how I normally do. I didn’t think of making birdies. In fact, I missed a few out there,” he added.
Among the players who have yet to complete their rounds include highly rated Gavin Kyle Green and Sukree Othman of Malaysia and Sean Riordan of New Zealand.
