Aussie ace Wright shares lead in Brunei

BY iseekgolf.com | Asian Tour | 2006 Brunei Open | Round Two | 25 Aug 2006

Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang and Aussie ace Michael Wright led the way after the second round of the US$300,000 Brunei Open on Friday.

Lin, who is ranked 49th on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, enjoyed a blemish free round as he struck a blistering eight-under-par 63, matching the course record set by Malaysia’s Danny Chia in the inaugural event last year at the Empire Hotel and Country Club.

With a total of nine-under par 133, the 32-year-old was tied for the lead alongside Wright who shot a 66. Chinese Taipei’s Chen Tze-chung was in joint third position after two birdies a stroke off the pace. Filipino youngster Juvic Pagunsan remained in the hunt after a 68 alongside Chen.

India’s Rahil Gangjee, who set the pace on Thursday, slipped down the leaderboard to joint fifth position as he was even-par for the day. Gangjee was tied together with Scotsman Ross Bain and David Gleeson of Australia as both players carded matching 68s. Similarly for Henry Perks of Australia who also climbed up the leaderboard after a 67.

Wright, who finished tied 12th at the Aamby Valley Asian Masters, scored four consecutive birdies on the front nine and with two more birdies and a lone bogey, the 32-year-old Queensland-born golfer is gunning for his strongest finish this season.

“I got off to a really good start once the birdies started rolling in. My putting was very good and I was quite patient out there,” said Wright, who is placed 62nd on the UBS Order of Merit.

“I am in a good position to strengthen my place in the Order of Merit and if I can keep doing what I’m doing, I’ll be happy. The more birdies, the better!” He said.

Chen, better known as TC, chalked up two birdies on the ninth and 14th holes as he enjoyed a bogey free round.

“I was pretty steady today so I am quite pleased. The par three 14th hole felt good because I managed a 20 foot birdie putt,” said Chen.

Defending champion Terry Pilkadaris shot a 69 as he was in tied ninth place.

“It was disappointing today and I didn’t capitalise on my opportunities. A lot of my iron shots went left today so I am not too happy,” said Pilkadaris.

India’s Jyoti Randhawa was in joint 43rd spot after a 67 but it was a disappointing end for Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant who missed the cut when he was even-par for the second consecutive day.

Source – Asian Tour