Venetian Macao Open : Anirban tied fourth, Thitiphun thunders ahead to lead

Anirban Lahiri carded a five-under 66 to be placed at tied fourth at the Venetian Macao Open and is two shots behind the leader Thailand’s Thitiphun Chuayprakong (64) at the Par-71 Macau Golf and Country Club.

Venetian Macao Open : Anirban tied fourth, Thitiphun thunders ahead to lead

“I think it was a solid round of golf. I hit it well tee to green and missed about three or four fairways. It was hard. I got away with a couple of pars on those holes, otherwise I stayed pretty solid. I played pretty good today. Having played here a few years, I kind of got my strategies down. I’ve taken out as much stress out of my shots as possible. It’s a bit like Delhi Golf Club. This course gets a bit tight when it gets windy. You have to really know where to hit it. Having played here a few times, you get more comfortable. And obviously when you win you come back to the course and you feel great,” Anirban said.

The 23-year-old Thitiphun, who is seeking a first win on the Asian Tour, stormed home in 29 following a brilliant round which included eight birdies at the Macau Golf and Country Club. Young Korean Jeunghun Wang and Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman shot 65s to trail by one while title holder Anirban Lahiri of India and 2013 champion Scott Hend of Australia were amongst those bunched on 66. Thai ace Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who broke into the world’s top-50 for the first time in his career this week, battled to a 68 while countryman Thongchai Jaidee, who along with Lahiri had featured in the Presidents Cup last week, carded a 71. South African Ernie Els carded a disappointing 74.

“Last hole, my second shot came back out but I still can make birdie. I have worked a lot with my putting since last year, so it’s working now. The greens are very fast. But I can have a good feel.” It is a case of “beware the injured golfer” as two-time Asian Tour winner Siddikur enjoyed a bogey-free card to lie one back. He has to endure pain in the lower back due to a pinched nerve but with no expectation at all, Siddikur rose to the occasion. “I set my mind to take it easy and to protect my back. I have lost about 10 yards in my driving and I’m already a short hitter! But if I can putt like today, it’s okay. I’m happy as after a long time, I had a bogey-free round,” said the 30-year-old.