Champion Jaidee takes lead in Malaysia

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee today set alight the Maybank Malaysian Open with a flawless second-round nine-under-par 63.

The 36-year-old made history when he became the first Thai to win on the European Tour when landing the Malaysian Open in 2004 and successfully defended the title last year.

And now he is firmly on course for the hat-trick after a round of nine birdies and no bogeys helped him reach halfway on 12 under par.

Compatriot Thammanoon Srirot is alongside him in the clubhouse lead, however, after a seven-under-par 65, with just one bogey on the 12th spoiling his round.

Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen matched Jaidee’s bogey-free 63 to be one shot back in third on 11 under, alongside David Park of Wales, who is six under par for the day with six holes to play.

First-round leader Miguel Angel Jimenez, of Spain, undid all his good work with a five-over-par 77 that saw him slip back to three under.

David Higgins and Gary Murphy are best of the Irish, at six under and tied in 14th place. Murphy has yet to start his round.

Padraig Harrington is four under after four holes. Michael Hoey is three over after his round.