Chapchai's hopes to clinch back-to-back wins in Cambodia

Thursday November 29, 2007


Chapchai's hopes to clinch back-to-back wins in Cambodia

SIEM REAP: Thai young gun Chapchai Nirat will be hoping for lady luck
to steer him to back-to-back triumphs when he tees off at the
inaugural Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open today.

Although feeling the strain of playing in his eighth tournament over
the last nine weeks, the 24-year-old Chapchai is determined to emulate
his winning run at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters last weekend and
close the gap on Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit leader Liang Wen-
chong.

"I was a bit lucky in Vietnam as some of my putts last week could have
gone either way in the final round.

"Looking back, it was a great round and I hope that it will be the
same here.

"There are a lot of birdie opportunities out there and I hope to take
advantage, especially the par fives.

"My strategy is to find fairways and make the greens for birdies. If I
can stick to that plan, I should be in for a chance," said Chapchai,
who won the TCL Classic in March.

The other title contenders at this week's US$300,000 Asian Tour event
include compatriot Prom Meesawat, who has chalked up four top-10
finishes this season, India's Rahil Gangjee, Iain Steel of Malaysia,
Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant, a nine-time winner on the Asian Tour
and Australia's Unho Park.

Chapchai claimed his second win in Hanoi on Sunday and with a course
that suits his style this week, the big-hitting Thai is relishing the
prospect of a repeat performance at the Phokeethra Country Club.

"I came here to win. The course suits my game as it is a very long
course so accurate shots off the tee will be important.

"This is also a crucial week for me to chase UBS Order of Merit leader
Liang so I will try my best.

"Despite all this pressure on me to deliver, I've been able to stay
calm by focusing on my game and taking it a step at a time. I hope to
do that this week and enjoy myself out there," added Chapchai.

Prom, who won the SK Telecom Open last year, plans to challenge
Chapchai for the title as he is eager for a charge at the 7,226 yards
par-72 Phokeethra Course, which is located near the famous Angkor Wat
temple.

"I have been hitting it good this year and that has been the main
reason why I've been really steady.

"I have the game to win it this week and with the right mental
approach I hope to do just that. I've been pushing myself day in and
day out and I think it's taking a toll on me now.

"I just hope to take it easy this week and produce a solid run.

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