Defending champion Ben Campbell of New Zealand is on course to defend his title at the Link Hong Kong Open after an impressive second-round performance at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling. The 33-year-old fired a five-under-par 65 to take a one-stroke lead at 12-under-par, edging out first-round leader Nitithorn Thippong of Thailand.

Campbell’s consistent play has allowed him to maintain his lead in this prestigious tournament, where he aims for his third career win on the Asian Tour. His clinical play around the Fanling course was marked by four birdies on the back nine and one on the front, with no bogeys to spoil his round.

“I just think it’s a course where I’m not the longest hitter, so it’s good that you just have to plot your way around and be patient,” Campbell said after the round. “I hit a lot of shots to 10-15 feet and didn’t fire at a few flags when I wasn’t quite in position. I just stayed patient and rolled in a couple of 15-footers.”

A Strong Pursuit from Nitithorn Thippong

Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong bounced back after a bogey-ridden start, carding a 67 to remain in contention, just one stroke behind Campbell at 11-under. The 28-year-old had a rocky start, bogeying three holes in a row from the 14th, but responded with birdies on 17 and three consecutive birdies from the third.

“I didn’t think about it that much,” Thippong said about his early mistakes. “I just flowed and didn’t let the bogeys get to me. My caddie, Sebastian, helped me stay relaxed and have fun on the course.”

Thippong, who won three times on the Asian Tour, including at the DGC Open in 2022, is looking to make amends for a lackluster season and secure a victory at this prestigious event.

Taichi Kho’s Strong Round and Back Injury Recovery

Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho has been a standout so far, carding a solid 65 to move up the leaderboard. Kho, who had been sidelined by a back injury for nearly two months, is now in a strong position heading into the weekend.

“I’m really happy with how I’ve been able to capitalize on the opportunities I’ve had,” Kho said. “My back is feeling a lot better this week. I’ve been doing a lot of work with my team, and I’m surprised at how well my body is holding up.”

Kho made history last year by becoming the first golfer from Hong Kong to win on the Asian Tour at the World City Championship. Now, he’s hoping to make even more history by becoming the first from Hong Kong to win the Link Hong Kong Open.

Other Notable Performances

England’s Justin Rose carded a 66, moving to five-under for the tournament, while American John Catlin, who leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit, surprisingly missed the cut with a one-over total. Catlin, who also leads The International Series Rankings, will now focus on refining his game for the remaining events this year.

With the tournament entering its final rounds, the competition remains wide open, and Campbell, Thippong, Kho, and others are all eyeing the US$2 million prize.