Chinnarat scorches the course for 11-under card

Thailand’s Chinnarat Phadungsil

Greater Noida, India, March 14: Thailand’s Chinnarat Phadungsil took ample advantage of the ideal scoring conditions, scorching the Jaypee Greens Golf Course for an 11-under 61 that include a sensational eight birdies on the back nine on the first day of the Avantha Masters 2013. It gave him a huge five-shot lead over a bunch of five players that included yet another talented young Indian, Abhijit Chadha, who shot a bogey free six-under 66 in the €1.8 million (approximately US$2.3 million) event, tri-sanctioned by European, Asian and PGTI Tours.

Though Chinnarat led the field, the home challenge had a decent enough start.

Among the other prominent Indians, Chadha’s 2010 Asian Games teammate, Rashid Khan shot 67, while former champion SSP Chowrasia, Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Ashok Kumar carded 68 each, while Rahil Gangjee and Jeev Milkha Singh brought in 69 apiece.

Chinnarat, 25, a three-time winner on the Asian Tour, who won his first title beating India’s Shiv Kapur in a play-off in Thailand in 2005, had just 22 putts. Back in 2005, Chinnarat had become the youngest winner on the Asian Tour at 17 years and five days.

He was only one shot away from equalling the Asian Tour’s low 18-hole score record. The five players tied in second place included Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat and current Order of Merit leader Chawalit Plaphol, Chadha, China’s Liang Wen-chong and Sweden’s Magnus A Carlsson who signed for matching 66s.

“It’s my best-ever round! My previous best was a nine-under par in China in 2007. So it’s definitely a great feeling today,” said Chinnarat.

Chinnarat had three birdies to reach the turn in 33. Then he exploded into action with seven birdies in a row. He was 10-under when he came to the 220-yard long par-3 17th tee. “I had a very long putt and managed two putts for a par,” said Chinnarat.

“On the front nine I was hitting a lot of hook shots, so my putter really saved me. But on the back nine, I drove the ball better and my irons were also better, so that’s the reason why I scored so well,” said Chinnarat.

Local hope Chadha brought the early cheers in the morning when he finished as the clubhouse leader then. Chadha, 21, was presented the PGTI Rookie of the Year Award on Wednesday and is excited about his prospects this week.

“I’m feeling really good about this week. I was just raring to go and get on with it. I just want to go out and play. I like this golf course as it suits my game. Winning the title last year on the PGTI was a good feeling,” said Chadha, who marked his flawless card with six birdies.

Liang, who earned the distinction of being the first mainland Chinese to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2007, continued his love affair with India when he returned with a 66 to continue his push for his third Asian Tour victory.

The Chinese last win on the Asian Tour was in India where he carded a 12-under-par 60 to set a new low 18-hole score in the opening round of the Indian Open in 2008.