Thaworn leads Thai charge in JW Cambodian Open

Published: 18/11/2009
Bangkok Post

A large number of Thai players will be competing in the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open despite the simmering tensions between the two countries.

Thaworn: Fine form

The US$300,000 penultimate Asian Tour event will tee off tomorrow at the Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap.

The Thai contingent are led by 2005 Asian No.1 Thaworn Wiratchant who played well in the first two editions. He was tied third in 2007 and finished eighth last year.

Compatriot Thongchai Jaidee will not defend the title he won last year because he has to play in the lucrative Dubai World Championship.

Thaworn is looking forward to winning his 12th Tour title to match Thongchai's record. He has been in good form this year winning the Macau Open.

Prom Meesawat hopes to win back his confidence after having struggled this season partly because of problems with a shoulder injury.

"I am now physically stronger and able to strike the ball well," said the Hua Hin native who is seeking his only second Tour title after his success at the 2006 SK Telecom Open in South Korea.

Ranked 58th on the Tour, the 25-year-old has made the cut only once in his last seven tournaments.

However, he performed quite well at the Phokeethra, sharing third in 2007 and 23th in 2008.

Namchok Tantipokhakul who won the Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam last week hopes his improved game will help him do better in Siem Reap after missing the cut last year.

Other Thais include Chawalit Plaphol, Thammanoon Srirot, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Udorn Duangdecha, Kwanchai Tannin, Wisut Artjanawat, Pariya Junhasavasdikul, Atthaphon Pramthummanee and Sattaya Supupramai.

They will face challenges from Anthony Kang of the US, Marcus Both of Australia and Lim Chih Bing of Singapore.