Aidric Jose Chan of the Philippines proved he was a quick learner at the BRG Open Golf Championship in Vietnam today, capitalising on his first round experience to lead by a single shot going into the final round.

The young golfer, playing for the first time in Vietnam, was able to master the conditions with just a single dropped shot in the second round of the US$100,000 Asian Development Tour event, his six-under-par score of 67 putting him ahead of overnight leader Sydney Chung of the USA.

“It’s been a big help playing in the morning and afternoon and seeing how the wind could be tomorrow,” said Chan after his round at the Legend Da Nang Golf Club, Nicklaus Course.

The potential pin placements were also something he studied before the tournament, and so far his game plan has been paying off.

“I thought they were pretty tough,” he said when asked about his hole by hole strategy. “I have been studying them and I think my game plan has been working out well.

Sydney Chung of the USA pictured in action at the BRG Open Golf Championship 2024 in Vietnam. The US$100,000 Asian Development Tour event is being held at the Legend Da Nang Golf resort, Nicklaus Course, from August 29-31, 2024. Picture courtesy of Danang Fantasity.

“There’s a couple of holes I decided to be more aggressive like on hole number eight. I haven’t seen many people hitting driver there but I’ve hit driver on that hole and I think it gives you a bit more of an advantageous spot to go for the flag,” he added.

“Playing in the afternoon is mentally tougher,” he said. “The heat really got to me going into the last few holes. I soaked up with water and looked for the shade, just getting from tree to tree and using the umbrella.”

Chung, who posted a four under par 69, was also happy with his round.

“It was pretty similar to yesterday,” he said. “I drove the ball really well and I feel that’s what helped me to play well today.

“There are some tough holes out here. Tough par fours and gettable par fives, but you’ve got to be in the fairway so I did a good job of that today. I missed a couple of short ones for birdie coming in but other than that it was pretty solid,” he added.

Tied for third on seven under par are Pakistan’s Ahmad Baig (69), already a two-time winner in Vietnam on the ADT this year, and Indan veteran Rahil Gangee.

“It was great today,” said Baig after his round. “I made a few silly mistakes but I still managed my position. I’m looking for my third win to secure my Asian Tour card which would mean a lot,” he added.

Gangee, who improved massively on his first round score and posted a bogey free 67, had clearly done his homework when he turned up for the second round.

“After yesterday it was a bit frustrating because I went back home and counted the number of putts I missed. There were 10, which is way too many for any golfer to be missing.

“I just tried to keep calm today, made a lot more putts and that’s what made the difference. No blemishes today, no bogeys, which is always amazing for any round, but around this golf course it is even better.

Ekpharit Wu of Thailand pictured in action at the BRG Open Golf Championship 2024 in Vietnam. The US$100,000 Asian Development Tour event is being held at the Legend Da Nang Golf resort, Nicklaus Course, from August 29-31, 2024. Picture courtesy of Danang Fantasity.

“You have got to really think yourself around this golf course because of the greens, the design is such that if you miss them in the wrong places, it just gets that much more difficult to make up and down,” he added.

In fifth position, on six under par, are the Indian duo of Sunhit Bishnol (68) and Aman Raj (69), together with Australia’s Kyle Michel (71).

Rounding out the top ten with a share of eighth spot on five under par are Thailand’s Runchanapong Youprayong (71) and the day’s low scorer Ekpharit Wu (66), followed by compatriots Itthipat Buranatanyarat (71) and Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij (71) in tenth place on four under par.

In 12th position, on three under par, are Lawrence Ting (69) of Chinese Taipei and Thailand’s Tanapat Pichaikool (71), Thitipan Pachuaprakong (75), Jakraphan Premsirigorn (72), Nopparat Panichphol (74) and Sarun Sirithon (71).

With the cut set at two over par, 58 golfers will compte in the final round tomorrow, with the first group off at 7am local time. The leading group, comprising Chan, Baig and Chung, will tee off at 8.39am.

Main picture: Aidric Jose Chan of the Philippines pictured in action at the BRG Open Golf Championship 2024 in Vietnam. The US$100,000 Asian Development Tour event is being held at the Legend Da Nang Golf resort, Nicklaus Course, from August 29-31, 2024. Picture courtesy of Danang Fantasity.