'HOME' COMFORTS DRIVE KIRADECH TO JOINT LEAD

Thai enjoying his golf at Singapore Classic, where his family flew down to join him

- Kimberly Kwek

Having spent the past few weeks away from his family, Thai golfer Kiradech Aphibarnrat was only too glad to be reunited with them in Singapore this week as he competes at the Porsche Singapore Classic.

The presence of his wife Tunyatorn Chaiyarat and mother Supunnikar had a catalytic effect, inspiring him to an opening round of eight-under 64 at the US$2.5 million (S$3.4 million) DP World Tour event on March 21, giving him the joint lead with Englishman Jordan Smith and Malaysian Gavin Green at Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

"This is the second or third week in a row that I'm playing, thus they came down to support. Thankfully, it is not too far away, just about a 212-hour flight," said world No. 441 Kiradech, adding that the Republic also feels like a "home" to him.

His performance at Laguna's Classic Course has given him a shot in the arm. The four-time DP World Tour winner, whose last victory came at the ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth in 2018, has not played his best golf in recent years.