Rising South Korean star Noh Seung-yul blasted his second straight five-under-par 66 to take sole possession of the halfway lead at the Midea China Classic yesterday.
The 17-year-old took a two-stroke lead over Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris on day two of the US$500,000 Asian Tour event with a 10-under-par 132 total.
Malaysia’s S. Siva Chandhran is tied for third together with eight other players, including Taiwan’s Hsu Mong-nan and Chen Yuan-chi all on matching 135s. Chen led after the first day thanks to a round of 65 but went round in 70 yesterday.
Noh, who already has three runner-up finishes in his rookie year on the Asian Tour, enjoyed a blemish-free round that was highlighted by five birdies.
“My tee shots and putts went really well for me today and I’m hoping to continue this fine form,” said the teenager, who has his father carrying his bag at the Royal Orchid International Golf Club this week.
“Playing with the more experienced players on the Asian Tour has really made me a better player. I believe that the opportunities and exposure that the Tour has given me has really help me to develop my game,” Noh said.
Pilkadaris had to overcome a nervous scare on his homeward run when he hit two successive bogeys on the 13th and 14th.
The Australian, however managed to regain his composure and made up for the bogeys with two successive birdies at the 17th and 18th.
“It was really frustrating to drop those two shots at 13th and 14th. But when I was at the 17th hole, I realized that I was only a few shots behind the leader. I was so fired up that I birdied my last two holes,” the 34-year-old said.
Chandhran, who started the day in tied sixth place, reeled in two successive birdies in his opening front-nine for a much-needed morale boost.
The Malaysian went on to record another five birdies, but spoiled his card with a double bogey on the par four 13th, and two other successive bogeys on the fifth and sixth.
Additional reporting by staff writer
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely