Shenzhen: Kiradech Aphibarnrat was one shot off the pace at the halfway stage of the European Tour’s Shenzhen International yesterday.
Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat makes a putt at Genzon Golf Club.
The Thai shot a three-under-par 69 for 136 to stay one stroke behind American Peter Uihlein who hit a 68 in the second round at the Genzon Golf Club.
Uihlein, tied for second overnight, started on the back nine and had a tough time, managing two birdies and a dropped shot before he took advantage of calmer conditions on the next nine holes to pick up three shots.
“It was tricky today. The wind was swirling quite a bit,” the 25-year-old Uihlein said.
“I got the back nine out of the way pretty quickly. I played very solid.
“I felt like getting anything under par on the back nine was nice, and I played a pretty stress free front nine which is always good.”
Big-hitting Kiradech had five birdies and two bogeys.
“It was a great round. Again, the wind was getting up on a few holes before I finished, but the way I was striking the ball is still very good,” Kiradech, whose only European Tour win was the 2013 Malaysian Open.
“When I go out worldwide, I learn a lot of experience and I saw many top players play. Even this week, we have Bubba Watson around.
“So it’s been helping Asian players to keep improving when we see all the star players, how they are playing, how they are playing the shots, and just adapt it to my golf game and it’s improving.”
Kiradech had a two-shot cushion over a quartet tied for third comprising Emiliano Grillo of Argentina, Gregory Havret of France, Darren Fichardt of South Africa and Englishman Matt Ford.
Asked if he felt comfortable to be one shot off the lead, Kiradech said: “Of course. I mean, wow, being on top of the leaderboard. I just want to play great on the weekend, score low and get the job done.”
Overnight leader and local favourite Huang Wenyi was a shot behind Uihlein at one stage before a disastrous triple bogey seven at the 15th dropped him back into the field.
Two-time Masters champion Watson, who won last year’s WGC-HSBC Championship in Shanghai in a play-off, dropped three shots on his first nine holes.
After making the turn he had two more bogeys against three birdies for a round of two-over 74.
“It’s tough. I haven’t played very well. I haven’t putted very well. But it’s a beautiful golf course,” Watson said.