Peter Whiteford on course to end title wait

Published on Saturday 18 February 2012 00:00

SCOTLAND’S Peter Whiteford might never have a better opportunity to land his first European Tour title than he does this weekend.

The 31-year-old is ten under par at halfway in the Avantha Masters in New Delhi and leads by two from Thai golfer Prom Meesawat.

In an event which does not feature any of the world’s top 60, the 236th-ranked Whiteford added an eventful 68 to his opening 66.

His round included an eagle and five birdies, but also three bogeys – two of them during “freezing cold” conditions just after he teed off at 7.25am.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had two good rounds in a row,” said Whiteford, whose previous best finish on the circuit was runner-up in the 2010 Andalucian Open.

“It was a lot harder first thing. The ball wasn’t going anywhere at that time in the morning and I had a bit of a sticky patch, but then had a decent back nine.

“I wouldn’t say the swing feels brilliant, but sometimes you play your best golf when you’re struggling a wee bit.

“I just need to concentrate – to be ten under is very good, but I wouldn’t say I’m overly confident.

“I just need a good round tomorrow to be in contention come Sunday.”

Former world junior champion Meesawat birdied five of the last six holes for a best-of-the-week 64.

The last of them, on the long 18th, took him a stroke ahead of compatriots Chapchai Nirat and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Australian Kieran Pratt and Jean-Baptiste Gonnet of France.

Welshman Jamie Donaldson, another seeking his first victory on the circuit, left himself four strokes to make up on Whiteford after three-putting at the final two greens, first for bogey and then for par.

At least he has a chance to catch up. Scotland’s former US Amateur champion Richie Ramsay missed the cut by one on one over after missing from two feet on the last.

Joint first-round leader Alejandro Canizares managed only a 73 and is five shots back, part of a group which also includes Ireland’s Paul McGinley, Scotland’s Marc Warren, Englishman Jamie Moul and Wales’ Rhys Davies.

Former US PGA and Open champion John Daly withdrew after his first-round 79 and posted a picture on Twitter of his right arm bandaged up.

The American said he had injured his elbow on the ninth hole and added: “No bones are broken, possible torn ligaments according to European Tour docs. Getting home for X-rays.”

Daly is due to play next in Puerto Rico on March 8-11.

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