Scott praises Siddikur at CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia
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Siddikur, the first Bangladeshi winner on the Asian Tour, won over an admirer in Australia's Adam Scott when they played together at the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia on Friday.
After shooting a superb six-under-par 65 which placed him three shots back at the halfway stage of the US$6 million inaugural event, Scott took time to lavish praise on the newcomer from the sub-continent, who carded a creditable 68 for tied 20th place.
Siddikur, who won the Brunei Open in August and lost in a play-off at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters earlier this month, extended his dream run at the Mines Resort and Golf Club with four bogeys against a lone bogey for a two-day total of five-under-par 137, six shots behind leaders Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand and American Ben Crane.
Scott said: "It was a fun day to watch him play, obviously the first Bangladeshi to play on Tour, anywhere in the world I think. He's been really successful this year and it's great to see. He's got a really solid game. He's not long but hits it very straight and that's something I'm very jealous of. He looks like he's got a good attitude. I'm sure he's got a bright future if he keeps his confidence up."
Siddikur can take great pride in his battling display so far as he goes into the weekend rounds ahead of many top stars, including four-time PGA Tour champion Robert Allenby of Australia, two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen of South Africa, Korea's K.J. Choi and Y.E. Yang, Asia's first Major champion.
The 26-year-old said he was over the moon when he saw his pairing with Scott. "I was so happy when I saw my pairing because he is one of the most famous golfers in the world. I enjoyed playing with him a lot. I usually don't talk much when I'm playing but I was very chatty with Adam. I told him a lot about Bangladesh and it was nice to talk to him," said Siddikur.
"I'm doing good and I'm satisfied with my score. I'm hitting it good and my putting is working as well. Everything was excellent," he added.
Siddikur was one of the best Asian Tour performers after two rounds alongside Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Singaporean Mardan Mamat.
Thongchai, holder of a record three Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns, endured an eventful last two holes where he missed a four feet eagle opportunity on 17 and bogeyed the last hole where his tee shot landed in thick rough.
He shot a 69 to lie in tied ninth place with amongst others Korea's Charlie Wi and South African Ernie Els.
"My chipping and driving wasn't too good and I'll be going to the range later. The leaders are four shots ahead but there are two more days to go. Hopefully I can play better," said the former paratrooper.
Singaporean Mardan rued a cold putter as he posted a 70 for a 136 total to lie in tied 16th place, five strokes behind the leaders. "I'm hitting the ball okay but I'm just not able to hole my putts. I need to try and enjoy my game more. In golf you never know what the outcome will be. It really depends on my own game and I'm not going to worry too much on where the leaders are right now," said the two-time Asian Tour champion.
The title sponsor of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia is CIMB Group. CIMB Group is one of Southeast Asia's leading universal banking franchises. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur with key offices across South East Asia, CIMB Group offers a full suite of financial services and related products. Read more about CIMB Group at www.cimb.com.
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