Travis Smyth chasing title defence in Chinese Taipei
Travis Smyth in action today – photo Paul Lakatos Asian Tour
New South Wales golfer Travis Smyth, playing in just his 11th event of the 2023 season, has the halfway lead at the Yeangder TPC event in Chinese Taipei, the defending champion adding a second round of 67 to his opening 65 to lead by one over 2012 winner Gaganjeet Bhullar (67) from India and South Australian Jack Thompson (66).
Smyth, whose only victory on the Asian Tour came in this event twelve months ago, perhaps understandably expressed his delight for the golf course.
“This golf course loves me, and I love it!” he said referring to the Linkou International Golf and Country Club.
“I mean, it’s good that [last year’s win] is in the back of my mind. It’s in the memory bank, but that was last year, this is this year. A lot has changed, a lot can happen. A lot of golf to be played, so I just keep trying to hit good shots and good putts and add it up at the end.
“The wind was mainly across on like just about every hole, so it was hard to get pin high – had to be very patient. It wasn’t as clean as it was yesterday. But to shoot five under, it was a pretty good score. I would have been happy with anything under par to be honest, it was tough.”
One birdie on the front and four on the back, including on 18, saw him snatch the outright lead at the end, to set up a thrilling weekend.
Thompson, who earlier this year led the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School but has yet to record a top ten in tens starts in 2023, stormed home in 29 to be just one from his countryman.
