Thai golfer shares lead at Asia Pacific Classic

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Thai golfer Pariya Junhasavasdikul had five birdies on the last seven holes Friday for a 6-under 65 and a share of the lead after the second round of the inaugural Asia Pacific Classic.

Pariya, a business management graduate from Purdue University and a licensed pilot, is at 11-under 131 overall. Ben Crane, a three-time PGA Tour winner from the United States, is tied for first after a 64 at the first PGA Tour-sanctioned event in Southeast Asia.

"My putting is co-operating very much and my ball striking has been good," the 26-year-old Pariya said at the Mines Resort and Golf Club. "We’ve been working on finding consistency in the game and that’s been a reason for my form this year."

The 40-man tournament is also sanctioned by the Asian Tour. The winner receives US$1 million from the $6 million purse.

Crane, who is visiting Malaysia for the first time, took advantage of solid iron play to give himself a chance of winning his second title of the year.

"It was a fun day. I haven’t really been overseas other than the British Open and we are having a great time and enjoying what Malaysia has to offer," the 34-year-old Crane said. "I got off to a fast start. I hit a nice wedge shot to about three feet for birdie on the first hole, and that always feels good and frees you up a little bit."

Overnight leader Ricky Barnes (69) and Ryan Moore (68), both from the United States, were both a stroke back, followed next by Canadian Open winner Carl Pettersson (68) in fifth place.

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