Atiruj Winaicharoenchai made three birdies in his last four holes, including one on the tough par-4 ninth at Taiwan Golf & Country Club, to extend his lead to two strokes at the halfway stage of the US$1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters.

The 25-year-old Thai golfer bounced back from a double bogey on the third hole with a composed finish, signing for a two-under 70 that left him at seven-under 137 through 36 holes. It marks the first time in his career he has led an Asian Tour event at the halfway point.

Veterans and contenders keep chase alive

Australia’s Scott Hend, who at 52 is seeking to become the oldest winner in Asian Tour history, carded a 68 to move into joint second at five-under alongside Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai. Another Thai, Rattanon Wannasrichan, followed closely in fourth at four-under after a 68, while Korea’s Jeunghun Wang shot a 69 to sit fifth at three-under.

Italy’s Gabriele De Barba (71), Pakistan’s Ahmad Baig (68), and Thai standouts Nitithorn Thippong (70) and Jazz Janewattananond (75) were among those tied for sixth at one-under, joined by local hope Chen Yi-tong (71).

Hend, a former champion of the event in 2013, showed patience after opening with bogeys on his first two holes. A recent winner on the European Legends Tour, he remains confident about making another run in Taipei.

Conditions test players as wind eases

Atiruj credited his finish to smart play on a day where tricky pin positions limited birdie chances. “On the last hole, I just wanted to make par. I hit a good drive and then hit a second shot to six feet and made the putt,” he said. “It wasn’t as windy as yesterday, but the pins were very tough. You really had to hit some good shots to have a birdie chance.”

Suradit, the 2019 champion, capitalized on calmer afternoon conditions with five birdies, including a chip-in at the 17th. “I just felt lucky when I came in the morning to see there was not that much wind,” he said. “Overall, a good day.”

This year marks the 39th edition of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, a fixture on the Asian Tour since 2000.