Chan edges ahead as patience pays off at Ambassador ADT Open
Former Asian Tour champion Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei carded a four-under-par 67 to take a one-shot halfway lead at the Ambassador ADT Open, where patience and a polished short game continued to prove the keys to success on the demanding Taipei Golf Club layout.
Chan moved to four-under-par 138 after producing the joint lowest round of the day, one stroke clear of compatriot Shen Wei-cheng, who battled through physical discomfort to card a three-under 68.
The experienced Chan, a five-time Asian Tour winner and six-time Asian Development Tour champion, credited his short game after needing just 23 putts during a round highlighted by an eagle at the par-five 16th, where he holed a 58-degree wedge from 42 yards.
Knowing how difficult the greens had played throughout the opening two rounds, Chan said he focused on leaving himself straightforward chips and converting one-chip, one-putt pars whenever possible.
Shen admitted his second round became a battle after he began feeling weak midway through the inward nine.
Shen, Wei-cheng of Chinese Taipei pictured in action on July 15, 2026, during Round Two of the Ambassador ADT Open played at Taipei Golf Club, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Despite struggling physically, the Chinese Taipei player concentrated on finding fairways and the middle of the greens rather than chasing birdies, limiting mistakes to remain firmly in contention.
Defending Ever Glory ADT Open champion Nathan Han of the United States and Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin shared third place on two-under-par 140 after rounds of 70 and 71 respectively.
Han said patience had been his greatest ally during two demanding days on a course where even short putts had become a challenge.
“It’s been a battle these past few days,” said Han. “The scores are high and the course is playing very hard, so it’s really easy to get frustrated. I feel like I’ve been doing a good job staying patient.”
He added that the greens had tested every player in the field.
“A lot of short putts are being missed. Everyone’s going to miss short putts, it’s just how it is. As long as you keep hitting good putts, that’s all you can really do.”
Nathan Han of the USA pictured in action on July 15, 2026, during Round Two of the Ambassador ADT Open played at Taipei Golf Club, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Shahriffuddin, who shared the overnight lead, recovered from an early stumble to remain well placed entering the weekend.
“This golf course is very mental and very tough from the tee,” he said. “The greens are also very tough, so I just tried to keep my ball in play.”
One of his best recoveries came at the 12th after finding trouble off the tee, eventually limiting the damage with an excellent recovery that saved valuable strokes.
India’s Kartik Singh and Chinese Taipei’s Su Ching-hung shared fifth place on one-under-par 141 after rounds of 69, alongside Singapore’s James Leow, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wei and overnight leader Ryo Noro of Japan, who slipped back after a second-round 73.
Australia’s Darcy Brereton matched Chan’s 67 to produce one of the rounds of the day, climbing into a share of 10th at even-par 142 with Thailand’s Runchanapong Youprayong and Suteepat Prateeptienchai, Chinese Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan and Yang Hsiao-che, and Japan’s Shori Ishizuka.
Japan’s Ryo Noro and Nobuaki Oda carded matching three-under-par 68s to share the opening-round lead as Taipei Golf Club proved a much sterner test than last week’s birdie-fest at the Ever Glory ADT Open.
Only 12 players finished under par on the opening day of the US$120,000 Asian Development Tour event, with Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin, Japan’s Shapiyate Mako and Chinese Taipei’s Yang Hsiao-che a shot further back after rounds of 69.
Noro carded a bogey-free 68 and said his driving and approach play were the strongest parts of his game, while describing his putting as only average. He also noted that the greens were slow and difficult to read, although the fine weather and light breeze helped produce a good score.
Compatriot Oda also pointed to the challenge of the greens after posting a round featuring six birdies and three bogeys. Two hole-outs, from about 10 yards and around 30 yards, proved pivotal, while he needed just 22 putts. He also identified the stretch from the 10th through the 12th as among the toughest on the course because of the narrow fairways.
Ariffin recovered from an adventurous opening round to earn a share of third. Starting from the 10th tee, the Malaysian mixed six birdies with four bogeys and a double bogey.
“I hit the ball really well today,” said Ariffin. “I got off to a really good start, chipped in early and managed to take advantage of the par fives.”
Ryo Noro of Japan pictured in action on July 14, 2026, during Round One of the Ambassador ADT Open played at Taipei Golf Club, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
He also highlighted the challenge presented by Taipei Golf Club’s greens.
“They’re tough. They’re very grainy, so you really have to know where to miss it.”
Last week’s Ever Glory ADT Open champion Nathan Han of the United States was among a group of seven players tied for sixth on one under after opening with a 70. Joining him were Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wei, Lu Wei-chih and Chang Wei-lun, Thailand’s Nirun Sae-Ueng and Singapore’s James Leow.
The opening round also produced the unusual sight of three holes-in-one, all coming at the 151-yard par-three 18th.
Japan’s Shori Ishizuka, who ended the day in a share of 13th after a 71, joined Malaysia’s Justin Chan (72) and Macau’s Kelvin Si in acing the hole. For Si, who turned professional at the start of 2024, it was the first hole-in-one of his career.
Nathan Han of the USA birdied the first playoff hole to defeat Sean Ramos of the Philippines and win the Ever Glory ADT Open after Typhoon Bavi forced tournament officials to reduce the championship to 54 holes.
Han carded a seven-under-par 65 in Friday’s third and final round at Dong Hua Elite Golf Club to finish tied on 16-under-par alongside Ramos and Korea’s Minhyeok Yang. After officials announced the tournament would conclude after three rounds because of the approaching typhoon, Han emerged victorious with a birdie on the opening extra hole.
Yang joined Han after matching the American’s seven-under 65, while Ramos closed with a five-under 67 to complete the three-way tie on 16 under.
The Tournament Committee reduced the event to 54 holes after forecasts indicated Typhoon Bavi would affect the venue from Friday evening and throughout Saturday, making it impossible to guarantee completion of the scheduled final round. Under the revised conditions, a playoff was held immediately after regulation play to determine the champion.
Han’s victory capped an impressive week of consistency. Following opening rounds of 67 and 68, the American produced one of the day’s best rounds, highlighted by an eagle at the par-five eighth and five birdies before sealing the title in the playoff.
“I flew,” said Han. “I started off with a birdie on the first and played good golf until the eighth, where I made eagle. I hit a really good drive and a really good iron shot to about four feet. That really kick-started my round and gave me a lot of confidence.”
Playing alongside Yang, the pair fed off each other’s good form throughout the day.
“It was fun. We were definitely going band for band and we both knew it,” Han said. “We were cheering each other on. I was happy to see him make putts and he was happy to see me make putts. It was just really good vibes in the group.”
Han also credited the support of his father, who was on the bag throughout the week.
“My dad was a great help. Tensions are always high in a tournament and I definitely got frustrated at times, both with myself and with him, but he handled it really well. He kept me even and it was great having him there as my support system.”
Wang Wei-hsuan of Chinese Taipei celebrates with wife and caddie Cindy Zhou after his Hole In One on hole 13 in the final round of the Ever Glory ADT Open at Dong Hua Elite Golf Club on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Yang matched Han’s seven-under 65 with a spectacular round featuring nine birdies before a costly double bogey on the 15th denied him the outright lead and ultimately forced the playoff.
“My putting was really nice today,” said Yang. “My driver gave me a little bit of trouble, but I tried my best with my chipping and putting. I made a lot of long birdie putts.”
Asked how he felt about the prospect of a playoff, the Korean smiled before replying:
“Hungry. I feel a little bit of pressure, but I’ll just try my best.”
Ramos, who started the day one shot behind overnight leader Huang Yi-tseng, carded a composed five-under-par 67. Birdies at the third, 11th, 13th, 15th and 16th outweighed his only dropped shot at the second as he earned his place in the playoff before eventually finishing runner-up.
Chinese Taipei duo Shapiyate Mako and Chan Shih-chang shared fourth place on 15 under after rounds of 66 and 68 respectively.
A further three players finished tied for sixth on 14 under: Hong Kong’s Hoho Yue (66), Italy’s Michele Ortolani (68) and overnight leader Huang Yi-tseng, whose challenge faded with a closing 70.
Chinese Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan produced one of the highlights of the final day, recording a hole-in-one at the par-three 13th after earlier making eagle at the par-five eighth during a four-under-par 68. He shared ninth place on 13 under alongside Malaysia’s Marcus Lim (67) and Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai (68).
Huang Yi-tseng of Chinese Taipei fired a flawless eight-under-par 64 to seize the halfway lead in the Ever Glory ADT Open at Dong Hua Elite Golf Club today, with a relaxed family atmosphere helping inspire one of the rounds of the tournament.
Huang, who began the day one shot off the lead after an opening 68, moved to 12-under-par for the tournament to edge one clear of fellow Chinese Taipei players Matthew Cheung and Chan Shih-chang, and the Philippines’ Sean Ramos, who all share second place on 11 under.
The 32-year-old credited the presence of his wife and two young children for helping him remain calm as he mixed six birdies with an eagle in a bogey-free performance.
“Everything was really good today,” said Huang. “My driving, my iron play and especially my putting.”
His highlight came at the par-five eighth, where he struck a seven-wood from 189 metres to within two feet before converting the eagle putt. He finished with just 31 putts and also birdied the 11th, 12th, 14th, 17th, first and fifth.
“My wife and our two young children are here with me this week,” he said. “Having them here makes me feel calm and happy, and maybe that’s one of the main reasons I’m playing so well.”
Sean Ramos of the Philippines pictured in action during Round Two of the Ever Glory ADT Open at Dong Hua Elite Golf Club on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Cheung matched Ramos with a five-under-par 67 but took a very different route around the course. The Hong Kong player eagled the par-five 17th and birdied the first, fifth, eighth and 12th, while his only blemish came with a bogey at the 13th.
“I honestly felt like I played a lot better yesterday, but I played the par fives really well today,” said Cheung. “Five under on the four par fives really helped my score and gives me a good chance for tomorrow.”
The 26-year-old said his eagle on 17 proved the catalyst after he holed a downhill putt from around 20 feet following a hybrid approach.
“It really gave my round a kick because I was level par at that stage and couldn’t really get anything going,” he said.
Ramos continued his impressive week with a bogey-free 67 featuring birdies at the first, third, eighth, 14th and 17th.
“It’s always nice to be in contention out here,” said the Filipino. “I played very well today, almost a flawless round. If there’s one thing I could still improve, it’s probably my driving, but overall I’m happy with my first two rounds.”
He added that recent performances had boosted his belief.
“I’ve gained a lot more confidence and a stronger feeling that I belong in contention out here week after week.”
Veteran Chan, a five-time Asian Tour champion and six-time Asian Development Tour winner, also moved to 11 under after a bogey-free 65. The experienced Chinese Taipei campaigner carded two eagles and three birdies in another clinical display.
Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand pictured in action during Round Two of the Ever Glory ADT Open at Dong Hua Elite Golf Club on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai produced the round of the day with a sparkling nine-under-par 63 to climb into contention at nine under. After opening with a three-putt bogey, he played his remaining 17 holes in 10 under, making two eagles and six birdies while hitting all 18 greens in regulation.
“Yesterday was really my practice round because it was my first time here,” he said. “Today I understood the course much better. I hit all 18 greens and my approach shots were very good.”
Italy’s Michele Ortolani joined Japan’s Yuta Yoshikawa and Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin in a share of fifth place on 10 under. Ortolani carded a bogey-free 65, while Yoshikawa posted a 68 and Ariffin a 67.
Chinese Taipei’s Shen Wei-cheng fired a seven-under-par 65 to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the US$100,000 Ever Glory ADT Open at Dong Hua Elite Golf Club on Wednesday.
The Asian Development Tour event, being played from 8-11 July, saw the home favourite finish one stroke clear of the Philippines’ Sean Ramos and Hong Kong’s Matthew Cheung, who both opened with rounds of 66.
A group of six players share fourth place on five-under-par 67: Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Yu-cheng, Americans Nathan Han, Carson Herron and Shotaro Ban, and Malaysians Justin Chan and Shahriffuddin Ariffin.
Starting from the 10th tee in the afternoon wave, Shen quickly found his rhythm, making birdies on the 10th and 11th before adding further gains on the first, second, third, fifth, eighth and ninth holes. His only blemish came with a bogey on the sixth.
The home favourite was delighted with his opening round and credited a strong iron game and solid putting for his position at the top of the leaderboard.
“Bogey-free is always nice when you’re playing a difficult golf course like this,” said Shen. “I hit a lot of nice iron shots and holed a couple of good putts out there, so I’m very happy with my game.”
Playing in Taiwan once again also brought back good memories.
“I’ve had a lot of good finishes in Taiwan, so I guess the golf courses just suit me out here,” he said.
Sean Ramos of the Philippines pictured in action during Round One of the Ever Glory ADT Open at Dong Hua Elite Golf Club on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
One shot back, Ramos produced one of the grittier rounds of the day despite struggling from the tee. Beginning on the first hole in the afternoon wave, the Filipino opened with birdies on the second, third and fourth before consecutive bogeys on the fifth and sixth briefly stalled his momentum. He responded with birdies on the seventh, eighth, 10th, 11th and 17th to sign for a six-under 66.
“I’m very happy with my round today considering how bad I drove it,” said Ramos. “I think I only hit, at most, five fairways today. So being able to shoot 66 was really good. I did everything well today except the driver.”
Despite frequently missing the fairways, Ramos kept himself out of serious trouble.
“Thankfully, I wasn’t driving it well enough to hit the fairway, but not bad enough to go out of bounds or into the hazards,” he said. “I was able to judge my rough second shots pretty well today and I just had to make some putts.”
Cheung also posted a flawless six-under 66. Starting from the first tee in the afternoon, he made birdies on the third, seventh, eighth, 10th, 11th and 15th without dropping a shot.
Among those tied for fourth, Han continued his consistent form with a bogey-free 67. The American, who started from the first tee in the morning, birdied the first, eighth, ninth, 12th and 13th holes.
“It felt great,” said Han. “I got off to a little bit of a slow start, then I locked in and made a couple of birdies. I put myself in a good position for the next two or three rounds.”
Matthew Cheung of Hong Kong pictured in action during Round One of the Ever Glory ADT Open at Dong Hua Elite Golf Club on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Herron’s round was one of the most eventful of the day. Starting from the first tee in the morning, he mixed two eagles, three birdies and three bogeys in a five-under 67. After birdies on the first and fourth and a bogey on the seventh, he eagled the par-five eighth before adding another eagle on the par-five 12th. Birdies on the 15th and 18th offset bogeys on the 16th and 17th.
Hsu matched 67 after beginning on the 10th tee in the morning, making birdies on the 10th, 14th, 17th, 18th and sixth holes without dropping a shot.
Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin enjoyed a flying start with an eagle on the opening par-five first hole before adding birdies on the 14th, 17th and 18th in an otherwise blemish-free round of 67.
Ban recovered impressively from an early setback. After opening with a birdie on the second, the American bogeyed the fourth and sixth before responding with birdies on the eighth, ninth, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th and 17th. A bogey on the 14th saw him finish alongside the group on five under.
The second round continues on Thursday at Dong Hua Elite Golf Club, with Shen aiming to build on his one-shot advantage as the field chases the halfway lead.
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut completed a wire-to-wire victory at the inaugural Bangkok Classic on Sunday, closing with a four-under-par 68 to finish on 24-under-par and claim a six-shot victory at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.
Suwannarut laid the foundation for victory with a course-record 10-under-par 62 in the opening round and never relinquished the lead, opening the final day with an eagle at the first before cruising to the title.
The Bangkok Classic, played from June 25-28 for a prize purse of CNY1.5 million, was co-sanctioned by the China Men’s Professional Golf Tour and the Asian Development Tour and marked the first China Tour event to be staged outside China.
Hong Kong’s Shunyat Hak and England’s Matt Killen shared second place on 18-under-par after rounds of 68 and 66 respectively.
A group of five players shared fourth place on 17-under-par, including Malaysia’s Khavish Varadan, India’s Pukhraj Singh Gill, Thailand’s Itthipat Buranatanyarat, Korea’s Minhyeok Yang and China’s Jin Zihao, whose bogey-free nine-under-par 63 was the low round of the day.
China’s Jin Zihao pictured in action on June 28, 2026 during Round Four of the Bangkok Classic at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.
Suwannarut said his eagle at the opening hole settled his nerves immediately.
“It’s nice,” he said. “It’s kind of like lifting something out of my chest. After that I just felt really light and I felt like I could make something today. It gave me a lot of confidence.”
The victory was particularly satisfying after narrowly missing out on wire-to-wire wins on the Asian Tour last season.
“It’s good,” he said. “I had a chance to do it twice last year on the Asian Tour but I didn’t do it, so I’m pretty happy to fight my demon and finally beat it.”
Although the victory provides a timely boost ahead of next week’s Queen’s Cup, Suwannarut said he would quickly turn his attention to the next event.
“After I wake up tomorrow it’s going to be yesterday already,” he said. “I’m going to throw everything away. I know what I have to do. I’ll prepare the same as this week, refocus and play as confidently as I can.”
The Thai was also grateful for the opportunity to compete after only receiving confirmation of his place shortly before the tournament.
“I put an entry in, but Unho (Park) texted me and asked if I still wanted to play,” he said. “Of course I did, so thanks to Unho for that.”
Suwannarut also enjoyed strong support throughout the week from family members following him around the course.
“My girlfriend, my mom and my dad came out to cheer me this week,” he said. “I’m pretty happy, especially with my mom’s food every day.”
England’s Matt Killen pictured in action on June 28, 2026 during Round Four of the Bangkok Classic at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.
Killen finished with one of the best rounds of the day to earn a share of second place after bouncing back from a disappointing third round.
“I had a couple of stupid three-putts in the middle of the round which slowed me down,” said Killen. “Apart from that I hit a lot of good shots and finally holed a few putts.”
The Englishman felt Saturday’s struggles were more about missed opportunities than poor golf.
“I didn’t actually play that bad yesterday,” he said. “The putts just didn’t go in. All the short putts I would normally make I missed and I didn’t take care of the par fives very well.”
Despite falling short of victory, Killen was pleased with the way he responded.
“Obviously I wanted to win, but after five or six holes today I knew that probably wasn’t going to happen,” he said. “I’m happy to claw my way back after yesterday and get a good finish on the board.”
Jin Zihao surged through the field with a flawless nine-under-par 63 that featured two eagles and no bogeys.
“It feels amazing,” said Jin. “This is not an easy golf course when the wind starts blowing and the final-round pins were tucked. I told myself to stay patient. I was swinging it really well and I started to get my putter feel back.”
Competing in his first Asian Development Tour event, the Chinese player praised the inaugural co-sanctioned tournament.
“I really enjoyed the experience,” he said. “I think it’s a well-run tour together with the China Tour. Even with the weather issues, I think the committee made the best decisions to make sure we finished all 72 holes.”
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut will take a four-shot lead into Sunday’s final round of the Bangkok Classic after carding a five-under-par 67 to reach 20-under-par at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.
Suwannarut, who opened the tournament with a course-record 10-under-par 62 on Thursday, followed with rounds of 67 and 67 to build a comfortable advantage heading into the final day of the inaugural event.
The Bangkok Classic, being played from June 25-28 for a prize purse of CNY1.5 million, is co-sanctioned by the China Men’s Professional Golf Tour and the Asian Development Tour and marks the first China Tour event to be staged outside China.
Hong Kong’s Isaac Lam sits alone in second place on 16-under-par after a third-round 68, while Malaysia’s Khavish Varadan is a further shot back in third after closing with a one-under-par 71.
Sharing fourth place on 13-under-par are India’s Pukhraj Singh Gill, whose seven-under-par 65 was the low round of the day, and Thailand’s Donlaphatchai Niyomchon, Waris Manthorn and Itthipat Buranatanyarat.
Suwannarut admitted there was more pressure during the third round but was pleased with the way he handled it.
“There was some pressure, but I kept myself together and still got a good score,” he said. “Even though I three-putted on the last, I’m still confident, so it’s the same game plan tomorrow.”
The Thai said the pressure came from within rather than from the leaderboard.
“It’s on myself,” he said. “I just want to play good. I know what I have to do. I just want to execute as well as I can, and I did it pretty well today, so I’m happy.”
Despite taking a four-shot advantage into the final round, Suwannarut said his approach would remain unchanged.
“I know what I have to do,” he said. “I have my goal in mind. I just want to prepare my best and then execute the best I can. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Hong Kong’s Isaac Lam pictured in action on June 27, 2026 during Round Three of the Bangkok Classic at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.
Lam moved into solo second after another steady round and credited his putting for keeping him in contention.
“I’d say putting has been the key,” said Lam. “I’m using a new putter this week and my caddie gives me good reads. I just let her do the job, make a good stroke and hopefully the hole gets in the way of the ball.”
The Hong Kong player, who has previously competed at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok during Qualifying School, said the course suits his eye.
“I’ve played this course a couple of times before for Q-School, so I’m quite familiar with it and I really like this golf course,” he said. “It really suits my eye.”
Looking ahead to the final round, Lam plans to keep his focus firmly on his own game.
“Just play my own game, sing my own song,” he said. “I don’t really care how the others play. I’m just focusing on my own game and making personal progress. That’s all that matters.”
Varadan remained firmly in contention despite not feeling he had struck the ball at his best.
“I didn’t hit the ball as good as I would have liked, but I scrambled well and putted solidly,” he said. “Obviously one bad hole, but other than that I’m always good on Sunday, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Asked about his strategy for the final round, the Malaysian’s answer was brief.
“Same as always,” he smiled. “Pedal down.”
Pukhraj Singh Gill of India pictured in action on June 27, 2026 during Round Three of the Bangkok Classic at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.
Gill charged into a share of fourth place with the best round of the day after making three birdies in his opening four holes.
“It was pretty good overall,” said Gill. “I got off to a great start and I was always taking the opportunities that were presented. I didn’t miss much out there and the only blemish was a bogey on my 16th hole.”
The Indian believes his improving course knowledge has been the key to his progress this week.
“This is the first time I’ve played here and I think the course is very challenging with the green speeds and the contours,” he said. “I’m getting used to where I can miss it off the tee and that’s giving me better approach angles into the greens. I’m also getting used to the wind, so I think it’s mostly course knowledge.”
Gill said he intends to stay aggressive as he chases the leaders on Sunday.
“I’ve put myself in a good position now and I’ll try to make the most of it,” he said. “That’s the way I like to play this golf course, so unless the circumstances ask for it, I don’t think I’m going to change my game plan.”
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut will take a one-shot lead into the resumption of the second round after heavy rain forced the suspension of play at the Bangkok Classic on Friday afternoon.
Play at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok was suspended at 3.23pm due to inclement weather, with the remainder of the second round scheduled to be completed on Saturday morning before the third round begins.
The overnight leader followed his course-record opening 62 with a five-under-par 67 to move to 15-under-par, one shot clear of Malaysia’s Khavish Varadan, who matched the low round of the morning with an eight-under-par 64.
Thailand’s Poom Pattaropong also fired an eight-under-par 64 to share third place on 13-under alongside England’s Matt Killen, who returned a three-under-par 67.
Hong Kong’s HoHo Yue sits fifth on 11-under-par but has completed only three holes of his second round, reaching three under for the day before play was suspended.
Hong Kong’s Shunyat Hak is sixth on 10-under after a second-round 66, while Chinese Taipei’s Su Ching-hung is seventh on eight-under following a 70. Indonesia’s Naraajie Ramadhanputra is also on eight-under after playing four holes of his second round.
Suwannarut admitted the demanding conditions made for another testing day despite extending his lead.
Malaysia’s Khavish Varadan pictured in action on June 26, 2026 during Round Two of the Bangkok Classic at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.
“Tired, pretty tired. I started off pretty good on the front nine and then on the back nine I felt really tired. I think because of the heat. I survived, so I think I’m happy.”
The Thai once again praised his caddie after making eagle on the par-five 18th for the second consecutive day.
“On the front nine I felt like I made every single putt. On the back nine I didn’t hit it good. I felt like I had no power. I just tried to make it on the green and try to two-putt. It was kind of like surviving out there today, so I’m still happy.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, Suwannarut hopes to recover before play resumes.
“Maybe sleeping a lot. I hope tomorrow is not going to be raining or a lot of heat. I’m just going to stay happy and try to play my game.”
Varadan moved into second place after producing one of the rounds of the day.
“I tried to hit the ball a little better today. Some putts fell in and I played the par threes pretty good today, so I hope to keep that up.”
Asked about his approach heading into the weekend, the Malaysian smiled and replied:
“Gas pedal down.”
Thailand’s Poom Pattaropong pictured in action on June 26, 2026 during Round Two of the Bangkok Classic at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.
Pattaropong also climbed into contention after taking advantage of an early run of birdies.
“I got the putter going early and I was four under through five holes, so I got off to a good start. To keep it going the whole round feels good.”
Playing at his home course, Pattaropong said he was enjoying competing in the inaugural co-sanctioned event between the China Tour and Asian Development Tour.
“It feels like a very big tournament, and I’m glad I’m playing this week at my home course.”
China Tour Club Cup
This week’s tournament also incorporates the China Tour Club Cup Pro-Am. Unlike the regular tournament cut, which typically falls at the top 65 players and ties, the Club Cup field is restricted to the top 48 tournament players only, with each paired alongside an amateur partner for the weekend competition.
Should multiple players be tied for 48th place after the completion of the second round, the final qualifying positions will be determined by a scorecard playoff. Players finishing between 49-65 will receive unofficial prize money but will not take part in the weekend rounds.
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut set a new course record with a bogey-free 10-under-par 62 to take a two-shot lead after the opening round of the Bangkok Classic at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok on Thursday.
Suwannarut’s brilliant round featured eight birdies and an eagle at the par-five 18th hole, capping a flawless day on the South and West Course layout.
The Bangkok Classic, being played from June 25-28 for a prize purse of CNY1.5 million, is co-sanctioned by the China Men’s Professional Golf Tour and the Asian Development Tour and marks the first China Tour event to be staged outside China.
Hong Kong’s HoHo Yue sits alone in second place after a bogey-free eight-under-par 64. Sharing third place on seven-under-par 65 are Thailand’s Nirun Sae-ueng, Mexico’s Roberto Lebrija, England’s Matt Killen and India’s Pukhraj Singh Gill.
A group of seven players share seventh place on six-under-par, including Korea’s Minchan Kim, Indonesia’s Naraajie Ramadhanputra, Hong Kong’s Isaac Lam, Thailand’s Poopirat Klinkesom, Chinese Taipei’s Su Chung-hung, Malaysia’s Khavish Varadan and Singapore’s Gregory Foo.
Suwannarut credited his caddie after producing the lowest round of the day.
“I hit everything good. I just needed to read the greens correctly and my caddie this week has helped me a lot, so credit to him,” said Suwannarut.
Hong Kong’s Hoho Yue pictured in action on June 25, 2026 during Round One of the Bangkok Classic at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.
The Thai said the heat proved more challenging than the wind during the opening round.
“We play a lot of windy golf courses on the Asian Tour, so the wind is okay,” he said. “The thing is not the wind, it’s the heat. Even for Thai people I think it was too hot today, but I made it, so I’m happy.”
Competing in front of a home crowd, Suwannarut said he was enjoying the opportunity to play in Thailand as the Asian Development Tour returned to the country and the China Tour staged its first overseas event.
“I’m happy. I’m happy to stay at my house, eat my mom’s food and know a lot of good players around the course,” he said. “I’m happy for the guys from the ADT to come back to Thailand and I’m enjoying seeing a lot of Chinese players come to play in Thailand also.”
Despite taking the first-round lead, Suwannarut said he plans to stick to the same approach heading into Friday.
“I’m trying to enjoy myself this week,” he said. “It’s kind of my warm-up event for next week’s Queen’s Cup, so I’m just going to enjoy myself, prepare my best and then execute.”
Yue’s bogey-free 64 continued a run of encouraging form for the Hong Kong player.
“It felt great. I always enjoy bogey-free rounds,” said Yue. “I stayed really patient and just stayed in the moment.”
Thailand’s Nirun Sae-ueng pictured in action on June 25, 2026 during Round One of the Bangkok Classic at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.
The 27-year-old, who is a member of both the China Tour and Asian Development Tour, said he was enjoying competing in the strong field assembled for the inaugural event.
“It’s a really strong field with a lot of Asian Tour guys out here this week,” he said. “I’m just sticking with my patient mindset, letting things happen and enjoying the moment.”
Thailand’s Nirun Sae-ueng also remained firmly in contention after a bogey-free 65.
“Today I putted good and my approach shots were very good,” said Nirun. “The driver is important here. If you hit the fairway, you can make the shot to the pin because the greens are very firm.”
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