Thongchai Jaidee was the surprise big-name casualty when the Maybank Malaysian Open's second round concluded yesterday morning, but the Thai star is confident young compatriot Chinarat Phadungsil can sustain the push for Asian glory.
Thongchai, a two-time Malaysian Open champion at Saujana Golf and Country Club, completed his second round with a disappointing six-over-par 78 to crash out of the US$1.29 million championship jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
With no one threatening Chinarat's overnight two-stroke lead when second round's play was completed this morning, Thongchai is confident the talented youngster can hold on to victory.
"Good luck to Chinarat. I hope he can do it. He's hitting the ball really good. He's still young and will learn from this experience. The scores can change easily here so he needs to have someone to keep him steady. Everything is perfect for him now. He'll have a chance," said Thongchai, who was Asia's No. 1 golfer in 2001 and 2004.
Thongchai was disappointed to miss the cut by three shots after a round that included six birdies, one double bogey and two bogeys.
"I birdied 16 to give myself a chance but on 17 my drive found a divot," he said. "There was sand behind the ball and I duffed my approach into the bunker. On 18, I hit a good drive and found the rough and had no chance."
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