Indian pro stays solid, leads by two

CARMONA, Cavite, Philippines – India’s Jyoti Randhawa fired a solid seven-under-par 65 to seize a two-stroke lead over Thailand’s Sutijet Kooratanapisan halfway through the $1 million Resorts World Manila Masters at the Manila Southwoods here yesterday.

The 44-year-old Randhawa, an eight-time Asian Tour winner seeking to end a seven-year title drought, sustained an impressive form for two days as he pounded his way through a crowd of fallen leaders for a 36-hole total of 15-under 129.

Randhawa, whose last win came in the 2009 Singha Thailand Open, broke away from the five-man lead group consisting of Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen Tang, Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan and Danthai Boonma and the United States’ Johannes Veerman by snaring three consecutive birdies starting from No. 11, the second hole of his round.

He closed out with three more birdies as he primed up in the crucial weekend play in his bid to claim his ninth tour victory.

“I had my rhythm back. That kept me well in the first two days,” said Randhawa, who was once Asia’s top shotmaker back in 2002.

Thai Sattaya Supupramai stole some of the thunder after he unleashed a scintillating 63 to tie the course record set by countryman Prom Meesawat three years ago.

Supupramai hit 10 birdies including seven straight starting from No. 7 and looked headed to breaking the record before it rained just before noon, leading to a bogey on No. 17 and close out with a par on his final hole.

Supupramai’s Day Two effort, however, catapulted him to title contention with a 133, or just four shots off the pace.

“I hit the bunker on the 17th and just completely missed the fairway on the last hole,” said Supupramai, who is still seeking his breakthrough triumph in the Tour.

 Kooratanapisan fired seven birdies against a bogey for a 66 and a two-day aggregate of 131 to stay in striking distance of Randhawa.

Indian S.S.P. Chawrasia unloaded a 64 to jump to No. 3 with a 132.

Joining Supupramai in the top 10 with 133s were Vietnam’s Michael Tran and Thailand’s Pachara Khongwatmai.

Miguel Tabuena and Antonio Lascuña emerged the best Filipino performers, carding a 70 and a 68, respectively, for a pair of 137s, which was good for a share of 23rd place.

The 22-year-old Olympian, who had an opening day 67, struggled all day on the putting surface of the plush layout.

“I was a bit grounded today (yesterday). I hit it good but my putting was off,” said Tabuena, who had five top 10 finishes on the Asian Tour, including two runner-up efforts in Malaysia and Chinese-Taipei this season.

Juvic Pagunsan, one of the country’s top golfers who had a disastrous 75 the day before, couldn’t get his game going and pulled out before he could finish the second round due to an injury.

Resorts World Manila Masters partners include Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, Marriott (official hotel partner) and supported by Aristocrat, IGT, Konami, Scientific Games, Empire Automation, LJ Industries, Levelwear, RGB LTD, PLDT Alpha, Dalmore, Srixon and Bloomberg.