Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat stepped closer to victory in the season-opening Asian Tour International yesterday, but standing in his way was Filipino Mars Pucay.
The 39-year-old Pucay fired a second successive three-under 69 at the Suwan Golf and Country Club to share the halfway lead with co-overnight leader Kiradech, who returned a 70 for a six-under 138 total.
One shot back is in-form Singaporean Lam Chih Bing, who also carded a 70, while American rookie David Johnson sneaked into contention with another 70 to lie three shots back with Thai duo Thammanoon Srirot and Wisut Artjanawat, and Filipino Angelo Que, who shot the day’s best round of 67.
At 14 years and 71 days Thai amateur Atiwit Janewattananond became the youngest player to make the halfway cut on the Asian Tour after shooting a 73 for tied eighth place. Atiwit was joined on 142 by, among others, Malaysia’s Ben Leong, India’s rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar and eight-time Japan Tour winner Hideto Tanihara.
Atiwit, a grade eight student and a member of the Thai amateur squad, eclipsed Taiwan’s Lo Shih-kai, who was 14 years and 275 days at the 2003 Taiwan Open.
Kiradech turned in 37, but fought back with four birdies and a bogey to keep alive his dreams of a first home Asian Tour win.
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
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