Five bogeys made Siddikur Rahman's second day at the ISPS Handa World Cup a poor one as the Bangladeshi carded a 4-over-par 75 and slipped to joint 49th spot in the individual category at Royal Melbourne Golf Club yesterday.
The 29-year-old, who posted a 2-over-par 73 on the opening day, posted only a single birdie on the second round to make his total 6 over-par 148 at the halfway stage of the US$8m grand event.
He was the first Bangladeshi to win on the Asian Tour in Brunei in 2010 and is a pioneer in representing his country in the World Cup.
A second victory on the region’s premier Tour in India earlier this month ensured Siddikur finishes inside the top-10 of the Asian Tour Order of Merit for the third time in the last four years.
Menwhile, Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Filipino Antonio Lascuna and Korean star KJ Choi ensured a strong Asian presence in the top 10.
American Kevin Streelman battled to a 69 to trail Bjorn by one while Jason Day of Australia and Ricardo Santos of Portugal share third place with 138 in the individual category, which is offering US$7 million in total prize money. Japan’s Hideto Tanihara, who won at home last week, carded a fine 67 for tied fifth place on 139.
In the team category, Streelman and countryman Matt Kuchar are in top position with a combined score of 274, three shots ahead of Bjorn and Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark. Australia’s Adam Scott and Jason Day and Japan’s Tanihara and Ryo Ishikawa share third with 281 as they chase the US$1 million, which is on offer for the team category.
