News
Welshman leads in Cambodia
Craig Smith
Smith opened up a two-stroke halfway advantage after firing a six-under-par 66 that gave him a two-day, nine-under-par 135 total and left Indian Shiv Kapur, Filipino Artemio Murakami and Thai Annop Tangkamolprasert trailing in his wake at the highly acclaimed Phokeethra Country Club in Cambodia..
Overnight leader David Gleeson of Australia, Malaysia's Shaaban Hussin, Will Yanagisawa of the United States and Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand are among the players tied for fifth position, three behind the leader.
Smith, who is believed to be the tallest player on any of the international golf Tours at six feet eight inches tall, brilliantly birdied his final two holes on the eighth and ninth to set himself apart from the chasing pack.
"I knew I was tied for the lead coming down those two holes and I managed to hit some good shots to give myself a chance. I only had one bogey on each day so things seem to be falling in quite easily for me. I hope it continues," Smith said.
Smith recently relocated his home to Abu Dhabi and feels it has helped him as the weather there is more similar to Asian conditions.
"I feel at home and that's one reason why I am so comfortable playing here. I am not going to take anything for granted, though.
"There is still a long way to go. I am just going to take it one shot at a time," added the Welshman, who has only one career top-10 in Asia.
Kapur, currently in 69th position on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, hugely boosted his chances of retaining his Tour card when he charged into contention with a superb 67.
He made the turn in 35 before adding a birdie on the 10th hole and closing strongly with three consecutive birdies, the one at the last being the product of a great 20 foot putt.
"All in all, it was a frustrating day because I hit it close to the flag but couldn't buy a putt. The way I struck the ball I should be at least 12 or 13-under. Luckily for me, I ended with three birdies and that turned an average day into a good one," said Kapur, who needs to finish in the top-65 to keep his full playing rights on the Asian Tour.
A total of 74 players made the cut which was set at two-over-par 146.
