Hanrahan breaks mark to share the lead

JAKARTA (JP): Thailand-based American Greg Hanrahan broke the Taman Dayu Golf Club's course record during the second day of the Rp 350 million (US$35,000) 2001 Olympic Open at the Pandaan, East Java-based course by carding a five-under-par 67 for an aggregate four-under-par 140 on Wednesday.

The result moved Hanrahan into the top spot, which he shares with overnight leader, Jakarta-based Swede Stephen Atako Lindskog, who managed an even par game in the second round.

"I took lessons from my performance in the first day. It would be easier if I carded an under-par or an even-par in the first nine," Hanrahan said afterward.

Hanrahan made it 33 on the first nine and 34 on the back nine. He produced six birdies at the fifth, seventh, eighth, 11th, 15th and 16th holes, before slumping to a bogey at the 17th hole.

Lindskog was apparently unable to maintain his best form when he went out in 34 but returned home with 38. He scored three birdies against three bogeys during his erratic game.

Indonesia's top golfer, Maan Nasim, jumped to second with three strokes behind the joint leaders, thanks to a three-under- par 69 for a total of one-under-par 143. Maan went out with 35 and returned to the club with 34.

Japanese Tomoharu Kimura became the only golfer to produce a hole-in-one, which he sank in the 145-meter 14th hole.

"I did not expect it to be a hole-in-one at all. I was just expecting a one-on-shot at that hole," he said.

Amateur golfer Indra Hermawan, who is being groomed for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, maintained his lead although he managed only an even par 72 on Wednesday. Collecting a three-under-par 141, he topped the amateur pack with two strokes ahead of closest rival Suprapto.

Suprapto scored an aggregate one-under-par 143 after carding 76 on Wednesday. Inam Zarens trailed in third place with a total shot of 152 after producing an even par.

Wednesday's round allowed 31 professional golfers to the remaining two rounds after passing the cut-off level of 160, including ties. (nvn)