Thongchai Jaidee's campaign to preserve his proud record of winning at least a title per season since the year 2000 gained more momentum after the Thai stalwart fired a second round four-under-par 68 to take the sole lead at the US$650,000 (Bt23-million) season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia yesterday.

The former paratrooper made a strong start to his round with four birdies in his first four holes. Although a bogey and double-bogey on the fifth and sixth holes threatened to sabotage his attempt to reclaim the title he won in 2003, Thongchai still managed to take the top spot with a two-day total of eight-under-par 136.

"I'm very happy with a 68 today. I know my game is getting better now and my putting is working. My driver is working too.

"I had some problems at some holes but I didn't think too much about them. I just concentrated on my game," said the 37-year-old, whose double-bogey came after his 4-iron shot in the second attempt found the water.

Despite leading at the half-way stage of the Asian Tour's 27th tournament, the Lop Buri-born golfer opted not to get carried away, as the field was full of strong opponents.

"Everybody is strong here. Everyone wants to win this week and they will have a good chance to win.

"There are two more rounds and I also have a good chance. I'm leading by one. I would like to play my game and enjoy the course. I like the course very much," said Thongchai.

Thongchai's impressive round, however, was overshadowed by a glittering performance by his countryman Thaworn Wiratchant, who made a strong charge to move to second place on the leader board by firing a bogey-free round of 7-under-par 65.

Thaworn, who had passed the Asian Tour No-1 torch to Indian star Jeev Mikha Singh, put behind his disappointment at an even-par round on Thursday and served notice to the best with an excellent display.

After struggling with the hard surface of the greens on the first day, Thaworn adjusted his game, resulting in a huge improvement to his play.

"Yesterday, I played well but could not make any putts. You can't do anything if you can't hole putts.

"Today I played the course a lot smarter. I hit my approach shots below the pins, which meant I had easier uphill putts. I should have figured that out yesterday, as the greens are very hard this week," said Thaworn, who won the Order of Merit last year with a record-breaking four titles in a single season.

With Indian star Jeev Mikha Singh lurking to cash in on any slips, the Thai duo, however, could ill afford to make any mistakes in the weekend rounds.

Singh shrugged off his rusty form of the first day to justify his status as Asia's current No-1 golfer with a splendid six-under-par 66 yesterday.

Three over at one stage, Singh rallied to a 72 in the opening round. The Indian, who is the son of famous yesteryear athlete Milkha Singh and who had already sealed the Order of Merit title this year, made his presence felt by carding eight birdies against two bogeys to grab a share of third place with Thai prodigy Prom Meesawat.

Singh, who is on a mission to seal a unique hat-trick of Volvo titles following wins in the Volvo China Open and the Volvo Masters, could not ask for a better present on his birthday.

"It was a nice birthday gift [he turned 35 yesterday] with a 66 today, so I will take that.

"I did not hit too good but I putted great today. I'm happy with the way I came back. I was sharp. I did not miss the greens on the wrong side today and when I did I made some good up and downs," said Singh, who could have finished even better had his close-range birdie attempt not rimmed off the pin on the 179-yard 16th hole.

The frustration on Singh's face was palpable after that shot. The burly Prom suffered equally after a bogey on the par-5 17th hole derailed his campaign to mount a stronger pressure on his two compatriots.

"It could have been better today. Someone walked as I was hitting my putt for par at that hole and I missed it," bemoaned Prom, whose round was highlighted by a 30-yard chip in for a birdie at the 230-yard sixth hole.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation