American Bowen surges to top

JAKARTA: American James Bowen carded a six-under 66 to move to the top of the leaderboard at the halfway stage of the inaugural Jakarta Classic.

The 27-year-old, who opened his campaign with a 70, fired seven birdies against one bogey to lead the field with a two-day total of eight-under 136 at the Imperial Klub Golf yesterday.

England’s Grant Jackson, who returned the day’s lowest score of 65, trails the American by two shots in second place.

Singapore’s Koh Deng Shan and overnight leader Chan Shih-chang of Taiwan shared third place after signing off with matching 140s at the US$60,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

“I made a lot of putts today and drove the ball pretty well. There was no wind in the morning and the course was kind of wet but, overall, it was in a good shape. I’m really pleased with the way I putted today,” said a delighted Bowen, who stayed on track for his second ADT win after claiming his breakthrough in Malaysia earlier this year.

Jackson, who clinched his first ADT victory in Malaysia in April, is pleased with his recent good run of form.

The Englishman is targeting a top-three finish on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season as that would allow him to earn his Asian Tour card for 2014.

“I gave myself some chances and I played nicely today. The greens were tricky and the course was wet.

“I actually felt like I was playing on a different course compared to yesterday,” said Jackson.

 The halfway cut was set at five-over par, with 57 players advancing to the final two rounds.