Casas' matchplay victory sets up clash against friend

By Bobby Alan Wilson

CLARKFIELD, Philippines (JP): Filipino Felix Casas defeated America's Gerry Norquist yesterday in the first round of the Volvo Asian Matchplay to set up an exciting second-round draw against his in-form compatriot and friend Rodrigo Cuello.

Casas, who overcame his American rival by one hole over the 7,214-yard Mimosa Golf and Country Club layout, also made amends for his first-round exit in last year's matchplay championship when he was beaten by Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant.

"My putting went very well today and even before I went out on the course I had a good feeling that I was going to win and make up for my first round defeat last year," said the 31-year-old Casas.

"To be invited by the sponsors Volvo was an honor, and then to defeat a player of Gerry's (Norquist) ability and experience has given me great confidence.

"I'm looking forward to playing against Rodrigo (Cuello) in the second round, though I'll have to be on top of my game as he's obviously in good form after winning the Omega PGA Championship in Hong Kong last week."

Casas finished fourth behind champion Jesper Parnevik in the Johnnie Walker Super Tour that concluded in Taipei Sunday and went home with US$45,000 prize money.

After taking the lead with a par to Norquist's double bogey at the third, Casas stayed ahead for the remainder of the match, and moved three up with a par five on the 13th. Three up with five to go, Casas then held off a late challenge from the American with a 20 foot putt for par on the 14th, and although Norquist reduced the deficit with birdies on the 15th and 16th, Casas confidently parred the last two holes to take the match.

"My putt on the 14th was the key point of the match today, and when I saw it go in I was fairly confident of winning. Even at the last, where I hit a poor second shot, I knew what I had to do to make par and win the game," added Casas.

Boonchu

In an intriguing tie between Thailand's Boonchu Ruangkit and Des Terblanche, the powerful South African came back from a one hole deficit at the turn to book his place in tomorrow's second round with a comfortable 4-and-3 victory.

"This is my first matchplay event as a pro, and although I was a little shaky at the start, I played some good golf after drawing all square at the 10th," said Terblanche, winner of the Omega Tour's 1997 Sabah Masters.

"I've been struggling with my driver for the past few weeks, but once I'd hit a few straight down the middle I felt a lot better. I think Boonchu was also playing a little flat today and things weren't going well for him, which gave me extra confidence."

The Thai veteran Boonchu was placed third behind Nick Faldo of England who was placed second in the Johnnie Walker Super Tour and won a handsome cash prize of $55,000.

Terblanche meets European Tour regular and Volvo invitee Peter Mitchell of England in the second round.

"I remember Peter (Mitchell) well from my days when I was playing in Europe," added Terblanche. "It should be an exciting match -- he's an excellent player."

Myanmar's Zaw Moe continued his impressive recent form with a comfortable 2-and-1 victory over America's Christian Pena, the winner of last month's Volvo Masters of Malaysia.

Moe, a regular on the Japan PGA Tour and joint sixth last week in the Omega PGA Championship, took the lead on the third and stayed ahead of his American rival before securing victory with a par on the 17th.

Elsewhere, Christian Chernock defeated his fellow American Greg Rusnack by two holes in an exciting match that went down to the wire, while the in-from Australian Brett Partridge, fifth in last week's New Zealand Open, defeated compatriot Adrian Percey 2-and-1.

Results

Round 1: Jerry Smith (USA) def. Paul Foley (AUS) by 1 hole Des Terblanche (RSA) def. Boonchu Ruangkit (THA) 4&3 Felix Casas (PHI) def. Gerry Norquist (USA) by 1 hole Ed Fryatt (ENG) def. Craig Kamps (RSA) 4&2 Christian Chernock (AUS) def. Greg Rusnack (USA) by 2 holes Brett Partridge (AUS) def. Adrian Percey (AUS) 2&1 Scott Laycock (AUS) def. Larry Barber (USA) 4&3 Zaw Moe (MYN) def. Christian Pena (USA) 2&1