Snyman shot a confident seven-under-par 65 to lead the way, ahead of compatriot Louis Oosthuizen, Spaniard David Puig and Zach Bauchou from the United States, who all carded a rounds of 66.
Two other Spaniards, Luis Masaveu and Eugenio Chacarra, posted 67s, along with Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana and Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura, in the penultimate event of the season on both the Asian Tour and The International Series. Patrick Reed, winner of last week’s Link Hong Kong Open, shot a 71.
After Wednesday’s opening round, consisting of an eagle, seven birdies and one double, Snyman is on track to make his 12th successive cut on the Asian Tour and put himself in a strong position to claim his first title on the circuit. The 29-year-old from Bellville gave credit for his recent strong performances to South Africa’s David Frost, winner of the Hong Kong Open in 1994 and 29 titles worldwide.
“My coach, Paul McKenzie, and I have been working on a few things, and I also got some advice from David Frost – he’s a former Asian Tour winner, having won in Hong Kong,” said Snyman.
“About five months ago, we spent two days with David. We were trying to find some consistency, which was my main concern. It looks like we’re getting there. We just need to post more low scores like we did today, which is exciting.
“The big thing we worked on with David was the takeaway. I always take the club back outside and get laid off at the top. He helped me feel a way to get it straighter. Another big thing was not being so rigid. I used to be very stiff like a stickman, with my left arm being very stiff and strong, but he got me to relax a bit more. You can actually bend that left arm.”
Puig, one stroke behind the leader, is making his first appearance on the Asian Tour since April. Since then, he has played on the LIV Golf League, three majors, and the Olympics.
“Pretty solid, especially after a month off tournaments. I’m super, super proud of how I fought,” said Puig, winner of the season-opening Malaysian Open and runner-up in the International Series Macau, where Catlin defeated him in a playoff. “Didn’t hit it that well, but somehow managed to post a pretty good score. Hit a lot of greens in regulation, which is something I’ve been working on.”
John Catlin, leader of both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings with just two tournaments to go, signed for a 2-under 70 to sit tied for 34th. Catlin can secure the Merit list title this week if results permit.
His nearest challengers are Richard T. Lee, second in the rankings, and Ben Campbell, who is third. Lee shot a 3-under 69 (tied 20th), while Campbell posted a 2-under 70 (tied 34th). The International Series Rankings, which will see the champion earn a spot in next year’s LIV Golf League, will go down to the wire at next week’s US$5mn PIF Saudi International.
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