Kiradech edges closer to dream Thailand golf win

Home favourite Kiradech Aphibarnrat is in pole position halfway through the US$1 million Thailand Open after storming into the lead Friday at the lightning-hit Suwan Golf and Country Club. The Thailand Open is the tournament that all Thai golfers covet the most and Kiradech moved within striking distance after a five-under-par 67. He lies nine-under-par on 135 and leads by one shot from China's Wu Ashun, who came in with a 67 in the eighth event of the season on OneAsia. Kiradech's compatriots Thaworn Wiratchant, Prayad Marksaeng, Panuphol Pittayarat and Pariya Junhasavasdikul are a stroke further back alongside New Zealander Michael Hendry and Australian Ashley Hall. But 41 players were unable to complete their rounds when lightning stopped play for the day. Australian Ryan Haller, the first round leader with a 65, was eight under with five holes to play, while South Korea's Choi Jin-Ho was seven under with three remaining. Kiradech recorded his first big win earlier this year when he claimed the SAIL Open in India on the Asian circuit. "I like the way I am hitting the ball. I am just struggling with the speed of the greens," said the 22-year-old, who made an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys. "I had a week off last week to rest and spent some time with my coach which has really helped." Only two Thais have won their home Open with Suthep Meesawat triumphing in 1991 and Boonchu Ruangkit following him into the winner's circle in 1992 and 2004. Wu's best finish since turning professional in 2008 came in the Thailand Open in 2009, where he placed fourth. The 22-year-old, who lives in Shanghai, is one of his country's brightest prospects and has already had two top-15 finishes on OneAsia this year. "I am very satisfied with my round. I made some nice putts," he said. "I feel I am ready to win a tournament but I am certainly not thinking about it all the time." Thaworn, winner of the Indonesia Open, birdied the final hole to shoot a 68. "I hit the ball very well but my putting was not consistent -- some holes it was good, others it was bad," said the 44-year-old who is looking for his first victory in his national Open. New Zealand's Michael Campbell, the 2005 US Open, showed that he is starting to recapture his form after carding a 66 to move to five under. "I was bogey free today which was great. Today was a prime example of how I have been playing in patches this year," he said.