Kiradech’s inconsistent putting cost him his match against Stenson.
THAILAND’S Kiradech Aphibarnrat was left to rue his erratic putting after Sweden’s Henrik Stenson staged a late comeback to win the first round match 2 and 1 at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship today.
Kiradech could not hide his disappointment as he led 1 up through 13 holes but failed to wrap up proceedings with Europe’s number one who fought back with some big putts.
“I was a bit disappointed with my putting today. I missed several short putts especially on the 14th and 15th holes and then the game started to change on 16 when Stenson made a long putt to go 1-up,” said Kiradech.
“I missed another short putt again on the 17th hole and it continued on 18. Anyway, I’ve learnt more about Match Play this week which will work well for me when I play in EurAsia Cup (in Malaysia) next month,” added the 24-year-old.
Kiradech’s next Match Play appearance will be at the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM where he will be part of a 10-man Team Asia line-up set to face Team Europe in the Ryder Cup styled showdown at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from Mar 27-29.
Team Asia will be led by playing captain Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, who also suffered an early exit from the tournament after he was defeated 3 and 2 by American Webb Simpson.
