Overnight leader Dodge Kemmel tumbled down the leaderboard after a disappointing seven-over-par 79 at the Solaire Open yesterday, leaving four players tied at the top after a windy second day at the tricky Wack Wack Golf Club.
Thailand’s Thammanoon Sriroj shot a joint best of the day three-under 69 for a two-round total of two-under-par 142 to share the lead at the inaugural US$300,000 Asian Tour event in the Philippines.
He was joined at the top by compatriot Kwanchai Tannin (71), Australian Matt Jager (72) and Lin Wen-tang (73) of Taiwan.
“Today was really difficult, the wind changed on us about five or six times,” Jager told reporters after firing four birdies in his round.
“That was the big thing, always having to check the wind. It is a difficult golf course anyway, but with the wind conditions like that, it just plays that little bit harder,” he said.
Elmer Salvador led the local charge with a 69 to leave himself tied for fifth on one-under for the tournament, with only eight players finishing under par at the halfway mark.
Rahil Gangjee was in a group of six players who finished level at 144, after following up his opening 75 by matching Thammanoon’s 69.
“I’m extremely happy,” the Indian told reporters after his five birdies on the 7,053 yard East Course in Manila. “This golf course can really get to you. As long as you are relaxed, stay calm, keep your patience, call upon all your experience, you will prevail.”
American Kemmel endured a birdie-free second-round horror show that left him tied for 15th on one-over, after his opening 66.
Of the other Taiwanese players, Hsu Mong-nan shot a second-round 72 to finish joint 21st on two-over-par 146, while Chan Yih-shin finished joint 29th after shooting a level-par 72 in the second round for a total of 147.
Chaing Chen-chih shot a second-round 77 for 150, while Chang Shih-chang fired a 74 for his total of 150. They are in joint 53rd place.
The other Taiwanese player, Lin Keng-chi, shot 79 for a total of 151.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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