South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel and Wu Ashun of China shared the clubhouse lead at nine-under-par yesterday after round two at the Maybank Malaysian Open on another rain-interrupted day.
Thailand’s overnight leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat held a one-shot advantage at 10-under, but still had nine holes remaining before play was halted for the day due to thunderstorms and failing light.
Meanwhile, world No. 3 Luke Donald only managed to play seven holes at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, finishing level on par after waiting almost the entire day to start his round. He had birdies on the fourth and fifth holes, recovering slightly after carding a two-over 74 in the first round.
Photo: AFP
Ireland’s two-time Major winner Padraig Harrington, who shot a three-under 69 for his first round, faced a similar situation, playing just six holes yesterday.
Schwartzel had to complete seven holes of his first round in the morning, finishing with a five-under 67.
However, the 2011 Masters winner was back on the course half an hour later, reeling off six birdies, before later dropping two shots to close the second round on 68.
That gave him a halfway total of nine-under-par and a share of the clubhouse lead with Wu, who had also returned a 68 with five birdies and just one bogey.
China’s Wu, playing in his second Maybank Malaysian Open, was happy with the lay of the course and that he was able to complete the second round.
“I like this golf course a lot. I think it’s important to play with a strategy in mind this week and choosing of the right clubs to use will matter as well,” Wu said.
Taiwan’s Tsai Chi-huang was tied for 88th on two-over after an even-par 72, while Chan Yih-shin was one-over after five holes of his second round.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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