Thongchai, Jimenez share Champions lead in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Thongchai Jaidee shot a 7-under 65 on Saturday for a share of the second-round lead with Miguel Angel Jimenez within the PGA Tour Champions’ American Household Insurance coverage Championship.

Thongchai birdied Nos. 14-16 and closed the bogey-free spherical at College Ridge with two pars. The 52-year-old Thai participant is winless on the 50-and-over tour. He has 19 worldwide victories.

“I believe the inexperienced is delicate, that approach you’ll be able to assault,” Thongchai mentioned. “You hit a wedge, you’re going to have the ability to assault the pin.”

He tied for tenth final week in Iowa within the Principal Charity Traditional to get into the sector.

“My first time right here. I take pleasure in taking part in right here,” Thongchai mentioned. “I believe fortunate. I’m very fortunate to get this match, final week get me in. Like actually proud to be right here.”

Jimenez shot a 68 to match Thongchai at 10-under 134, rebounding from a bogey on 15 with birdies on 16 and 17.

“I do know Jaidee for a protracted, very long time.” Jimenez mentioned. “We each performed DP Tour, the European tour, and I performed with him.”

Jimenez tied for second final yr behind hometown favourite Jerry Kelly.

“Properly, tomorrow we’re going to be within the final group and I’ll simply play golf and revel in myself on the golf course and something occurs, ” Jimenez mentioned. “There are a whole lot of gamers, excellent high quality gamers.”

Jimenez has 12 Champions victories, with the 58-year-old Spanish star profitable the Mitsubishi Electrical Championship at Hualalai and Cologuard Traditional this yr. He gained 21 occasions on the European tour.

First-round chief Steve Flesch (70) was a stroke again with Paul Broadhurst (66) and Paul Goydos (67).

Colin Montgomerie (70) was 8 below with David Branshaw (66) and Kirk Triplett (68).

Kelly (69) and John Daly (66) topped the group at 7 below.

“One other pretty sloppy day.” Kelly mentioned. “Simply made some bogeys in there that I shouldn’t have, didn’t make some birdies that I ought to have. Nonetheless wasn’t as tight, as crisp as I’d wish to be.”

Kelly, coming off a playoff victory Sunday in Iowa, is chasing his third straight victory within the occasion hosted by Madison buddy Steve Stricker. Kelly gained in 2019 and the 2020 occasion was canceled due to the pandemic.

Stricker was 4 below after a 69.