Taunk ties for 2nd, qualifies for Asian Q-School Final Stage

Hua Hin (Thailand):Indian amateur golfer Karan Taunk survived a mid-round lapse to card an even-par 72 and finish a five-way tie for second place in the Asian Tour Qualifying School First Stage Section A.

A total of 32 players from the First Stage Section A progressed to the Final Stage and leading them was Simon Griffiths of England. Of the 32, 11 came from the qualifiers at Royal Thai and another 21 came from Imperial Lakeview Golf Club. Taunk, looked set to take sole possession of second place with birdies on first and third hole, but bogeys on fifth, seventh and ninth set him back. But the youngster picked up again with birdies on 10th and 12th before dropping a shot on the 13th. He will now play in the Final Stage at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club and Springfield Royal Country Club from February 12 to 15. The 41-year-old Griffiths posted an even-par 72 for a four-day total of 16-under 272 to close with a sizzling 14-shot victory over American Jeff Rangel, Mathiam Keyser of Russia, Mitchell Brown of Australia and Karan Taunk who signed for matching 286s. At the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club, Japan`s Ryoma Yamagata fired a 64 to tie at the top with Australian Matt Jager who returned with a 67. The duo compiled matching total of 272s to ensure their safe passage into the Final Stage, together with 19 other players. The First Stage Section B will be played at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club, Royal Thai Army Sports Center and Springfield Royal Country Club next week from February 5-8. After four rounds, the top 17 players from each venue will qualify for the all-important Final Stage where the top-40 and ties will earn their playing rights on the new 2014 Asian Tour season.