Siem Reap (Cambodia): Indian pro Shiv Kapur
jumped into title contention after a sparking second round
card of five-under 67 that not only sent him soaring to second
spot in Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open but also brightened his
chances of salvaging an Asian Tour card for next season.
Currently in 69th position on the Asian Tour Order of
Merit, Kapur gave himself a huge boost of retaining his Tour
card when he charged into contention with a superb 67.
He made the turn in 35 before adding a birdie on the 10th
hole and closing strongly with three consecutive birdies,
including a 20-footer at his last, even though he felt it
could have been better.
"All in all, it was a frustrating day because I hit it
close to the flag but couldn't buy a putt. The way I struck
the ball I should be at least 12 or 13-under. Luckily for me,
I ended with three birdies and that turned an average day into
a good day," said Kapur, who needs to finish in the top-65 to
keep his full playing rights on the Asian Tour.
"The greens are pretty tough here but fair. My putting
has let me down and if I can get my putter hot during the
weekend I should have a good chance," added the 2005 Rookie of
the Year.
Gunning for his maiden Asian Tour title, Welshman Craig
Smith fired six-under 66 to total nine-under 135 and open up a
two-stroke lead over Shiv Kapur, Annop Tangkamolprasert (69)
and Artemio Murakami (69) who share the second spot in the USD
300,000 full field Asian Tour event.
Among other Indians in the fray, Vikrant Chopra (140)
carded one-under 71 to lie tied 13th and stay in hunt for a
top 10 finish.
One shot behind at tied 15th was rising star Anirban
Lahiri, having returned an identical 71 in the second round.
Kolkata pro Rahil Gangjee (142) was at tied 23rd after
carding 72, while Amandeep Johl (145) was tied 48th after
carding a similar even-par round.
Amateur Rashid Khan (147) went for 74 to miss the cut by
two strokes.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, November 20, 2009, 19:05