Thai wrests PGT Asia Qualifying School lead
TARLAC—Sorachut Hansapiban of Thailand birdied the last three holes to shoot a flawless five-under-par 67 on Thursday and grab the halfway lead from the United States’ Sam Gillis in the PGT Asia Qualifying School at the Luisita Golf and Country Club here.
Counting an eagle-spiked 68 on Wednesday, the long-hitting Hansapiban conquered what is considered as one of the toughest finishing holes in the country to be at 135 and lead Gillis by a shot and Finland’s Janne Kaske and three others by two.
Nirun Sae Ueng and Sattaya Supupramai of Thailand fired a 70 and 68, respectively, to be in Kaske’s group like South Korea’s Kim Joo-hyung, the former Manila Southwoods mainstay in the PAL Interclub.
Englishman Benjamin David fired a 68 to tie Thai Itthipat Buranatanyarat, who wavered with a 72, at 140.
Nattawat Sujavanakorn turned in a 71 for ninth at 141 with Japanese Koutaka Iha, who also carded a 71, as five Thais made it to the Top 10 after 36 holes.
Richnell Albano carded a 73 and remained the leading local player at 144, tied with three others and well inside the cut line of 40 players plus ties after 72 holes.
Other Filipinos in contention for PGTA slots are Francis Morilla (74-145), Rufino Bayron (70-146), Russell Bautista (73-148), Anthony Fernando (75-148), GJ Katigbak (75-148), Jun Bernis (76-149), Rico Depilo (75-149) and Robert Pactolerin (74-149).
A total of 71 players from a starting field of 132 made it to the last two rounds. The second PGT Asia season will start next week, also at Luisita, with this year’s qualifiers joining the top 50 players from last year’s PGTA Order of Merit and the top 30 from the local PGT OOM ranking.
