Hoylake: Asian Tour star Thongchai Jaidee survived the blustery winds to shoot a second straight even par 72 at The Open Championship to lie five shots off the early second round lead on Friday.


The 44-year-old Thai got off to a stunning start with three birdies in his first five holes at Royal Liverpool before his charge veered slightly off course as the famed links course finally bared its teeth.


Thongchai dropped five bogeys against two more birdies for a two-day total of 144 in the year’s third Major to lie alongside the likes of title holder Phil Mickelson.


“I started really well on the front but struggled on the back nine. It was difficult to adjust as it got windy. Even the par fives, it was tough to play those holes. Anyway, it’s a good round. Even par for both rounds, I’m happy to make the cut. That’s the important thing,” said Thongchai.


The world number 34, who won in Sweden for his second title on European soil last month, was delighted with the quality of his ball striking after struggling with his iron play in the opening round.


He is confident of closing the gap at the top as he seeks to extend his rich vein of form which includes two other top-five finishes in Germany and France recently.


“My performance was better than yesterday. In the wind, you just have to keep the ball in play which is quite difficult. It was very tough,” said Thongchai, who enjoyed a chip-in birdie on his opening hole.


“Now that I’ve made the cut, we’ll see how the weather is tomorrow and move from there. If it is bad (which is forecasted), you need to be patient and keep the ball on the fairways and greens. I chipped in for birdie at the first but then found two fairway bunkers which made it tough. But I’m pleased that I hit my irons very good today,” said the three-time Asian Tour number one.


Thongchai, whose best Open outing was a tied 13th finish in 2009, said he must continue to play smart golf if he is to inch his way up the leaderboard.


“There’s no need to be long on this course, just avoid the bunkers. But it is difficult if the wind blows like today. On the last hole, I hit it good but still found the bunker.


“For me, I keep learning although I have spent a lot of time playing golf in Europe. It’s good to be here for a Major championship. If we get ourselves into all the Majors, I want to do it. It’s a good life.”