DANNY Chia maintained his lead in the RM150,000 SapuraKencana National Qualifier despite shooting a second round four-over 76 yesterday.
The 41-year-old carded one birdie, three bogeys and one double bogey for a two-under-par 142 total to stay on track for a third appearance in the US$7 million (RM22 million) CIMB Classic, which is sanctioned by the PGA Tour on Oct 30-Nov 2.
Khor Kheng Hwai produced a solid 69, courtesy of an eagle on the third hole to trail Chia by one shot, while Rizal Amin placed third after posting a second consecutive 72 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Chia, who shot an opening 66, struggled with a cold putter and was punished on the 10th hole when he declared “lost ball” after hitting a wayward tee shot.
After a bogey on 16, he found himself in more trouble when he hit his drive into the trees before settling for another bogey.
“On the 10th hole, I would usually hit my five wood but I wasn’t converting my putts on the front nine so I lost patience and pulled out my driver. I hit my ball a bit right and unfortunately I lost my ball,” lamented Chia.
He remains confident that he can pull off a victory in the SapuraKencana National Qualifier, an event which he won in 2012.
“My putter let me down and I lost patience on two holes. Apart from that, it is still okay. I’m not too far away. I still gave myself a fighting chance for the last day,” said Chia, who enjoyed a tied 13th result in the 2011 CIMB Classic.
Khor rued the missed opportunity to tie Chia for the lead after making bogey on the last but he kept up his chase for an appearance in the CIMB Classic after holing a 20-foot eagle putt on hole three.
“I was cruising along and I’ll take an under-par score any day. To shoot a 69 is a big achievement on this course. I’ll just have to keep doing what I’ve been doing on the last day and I’ll see where the results lead me,” said Khor.
The 30-year-old Rizal was disappointed not to finish in red numbers after three putting the last hole for bogey. He is aiming for a first career victory and hopes to make his debut in the CIMB Classic in October.
“It feels good to be two shots back. This is not an easy golf course. You have to be patient and strategize or the course will bite you. One little mistake and you can shoot a big number. Par is golden here!” said Rizal.