Jakarta's damp weather, bugs don't bother golfers Thongchai and Dyson at Indonesia Open

Just like the Malaysian Open last month, the Enjoy Jakarta HSBC Indonesia Open is having thunderstorm problems. That’s one of the hazards of Southeast Asia along with bird flu, malaria, ant bites, dengue fever and jock itch.

Simon Dyson of England shant complain. He shares the lead after two rounds with Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand. Dyson’s round was smooth and consistent while Thongchai weathered a wild one: He three-putted five greens but still carded a 68 thanks to two eagles and four birdies. Jai dee in Thai means “good heart.” He needed a good, strong heart on this day.

Thongchai is playing for more than just a win here. Currently he’s ranked 86th in the world but probably needs to be in the top 50 to reach his goal – an invitation to this year’s Masters at Augusta. Therefore, he may also need to win next week’s Singapore Masters tournament – and he might do it, too. Thongchai has clearly outclassed everyone on the tour for the last month.

Unfortunately, his success hasn’t extended beyond Asia. In the past he’s had problems playing in European cold weather and adjusting to European food. Most Thai people think if a dish isn’t hot and spicy, it doesn’t have any flavor. Plus, they insist on eating rice or noodles three times a day. The verb “to eat” in Thai for eat – ghin kow – literally means “eat rice.”

Thanks to the two-hour rain delay, 51 players didn’t complete their second round. Among those who didn’t finish was Stephen Dodd of Wales, who scored six under par for 13 holes, which puts him in a tie for third place with Ter-Chang Wang of Taipei.