PANUPHOL ONLY TWO BEHIND LEADER IN JAPAN

BY N ON April Fri, 2017 23:58

 PANUPHOL ONLY TWO BEHIND LEADER IN JAPAN

In-form Panuphol Pittayarat shot a 68 to stay two shots behind leader Janson Knutzon at the halfway of the Panasonic OPEN in Japan on Friday.

Panuphol, fresh from his win at Singha Masters in Thailand two weeks ago, posted a second round three-under-68 at the par-71Umesato course, Chiba Country Club, in Noda City. He moved up to share second on 7-under-135, just two shots behind leader Knutzon of USA who made four birdies and two bogeys for a 69 and a 133 in total.

Panuphol, who trailed the leader by three shots after first round, expressed his satisfactions for another good round but said that there was a room for improvement on the weekend.

“I have holed a lot of putts in the first two rounds,” he said.

“But I still need to work on striking a ball and keep it on fairways.”

“The cold weather is not a problem for me. I love it.”

Asked about his chance of winning a back-to-back title after his success at the Singha Masters, Panuphol said that he is always looking for that.

“You feel good when you win and always hope to win a bigger event,” said the golfer, who is looking for his maiden title on Japan tour and Asian Tour.

“A back-to-back win would be very nice.”

“I will try to hold on my game and enjoy my golf for the weekend.

Panuphol, who has successfully kept his full Asian Tour card every year since making the grade at Qualifying School in 2011, said that he has performed quite well this year  because he spent more times training.

“My great efforts and training pay off well.”

“I am really enjoying my game.”

Compatriot Prayad Marksaeng is still in contention for his 7th Japan tour title and also 11sth title on Asian tour. The 51-year-old yesterday fired a 69 with two birdies for 137 while Udorn Duangdecha (72) was one stroke back.

Veteran Prayad said that his putter was not sharp enough and that if it had been better, he would have got a lower round.

Jazz Janewattananond carded his second consecutive 70 and tied 23rd.  Poom Saksansin (69) and Prom Meesawat (74) exactly met the cutline of 142 to qualify for the weekend.

With 16 golfers in the tournament, ten Thai golfers missed the cut. Natipong Srithong (70), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (72) and Phachara Khongwatmai were just a shot below the cutline.