Thailand's Pornanong targets hat-trick in India

Pornanong, who has won the event twice (2008 and 2009), is gunning for a win that would see her become the first player to take a hat-trick of India Open titles. Her best achievements outside the USLPGA have been in India. 

Making her fifth appearance at the Open, the 23-year-old from Chaiyaphum in Northeastern Thailand, said: “There’s no pressure on me. My game is great and I like playing in India. There is a chance for me to go for my third win, this explains why I’m here,” said Pornanong.

Having played 27 events on the USLPGA this season, Pornanong only missed the weekend play six times.

“Playing in the USLPGA has made me a better player. The courses are tough, the greens are sleek and tough and there are good players,” said Pornanong, who won the HSBC LPGA Brasil Cup 2012 and recorded a T12 and T14 positions at the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic and Honda LPGA respectively.

Since earning a card to play on the USLPGA two seasons ago, Pornanong, a graduate of Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University, says that her game has improved.

“But don’t forget, there are strong players taking part in this event. The Hero Women’s India Open always holds a special place in my heart because I won it twice over here. I hope my form and my mental strength will help me win once more to put my name in the record books,” said Pornanong, who has targeted a top-30 ranking on the USLPGA for next year. She is currently ranked 55th.

Pornanong hopes to help bring Asian dominance in the world of women’s golf. “I want to be part of that force from Asia. So, winning an event joint-sanctioned by the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and Ladies European Tour will help.”