Prom and Karlberg continue to shine at home
Hua Hin, Thailand, January 17:
Thailand’s Prom Meesawat and Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg maintained their stranglehold at the US$1 million King’s Cup Golf Hua Hin as they shared the lead for the second successive day.
The duo, who are sponsored by Black Mountain Golf Club, fired matching one-under-par 71s to hold a one-shot lead with a two-day total of eight-under-par 136 at the Asian Tour season-ending event.
Mo Joong-jyung of Korea, aged 42, was a further shot back at the challenging Black Mountain course.
Prom knows he has to stay patient if he wants to secure a long-awaited second victory since 2006 and make amends for losing in two play-offs in the Philippines and Hong Kong late last year.
“It’s going to be a tough weekend as the door is still open for everyone. I just want to maintain my composure and get an under-par score for the next two days,” said Prom.
Karlberg staged a late comeback with two birdies in his last three holes to deny home favourite Prom the outright lead.
The two-time Asian Tour winner struggled under gusty conditions and was two-over in his second round after 12 holes. However, a birdie on the 13th hole managed to restore some measure of confidence for the Swede.
“It was a horrible round for 12 holes. I really struggled. I didn’t play well and the putts didn’t fall. But the wind came down the right way on 17 and 18 and I was glad I finished off well,” said Karlberg.
Dashing Swedish star Johan Edfors stayed in contention after shooting a second round 69. Berry Henson of the United States recovered from his opening round 76 with an impressive 68 to end the second day in tied 35th.
Meanwhile Thailand Jazz Janewattananond and Fred Andersson of Sweden will also feature in the weekend rounds after ending day two in tied 47th position.