Pornanong flies 3rd in Arizona after eagle

The former Thai No 1 sank five birdies plus an eagle on the 15th hole against a lone bogey on the 14th to land third alongside American duo Brittany Lang and Gerina Piller, three shots behind leader Ai Miyazato of Japan.

Miyazato set a course record on Thursday, carding a nine-under 63 to take a two-shot lead.

The Japanese, who finished second in this event last year, leads South Korea’s Jee Young Lee, who equalled the previous course record at Wildfire Golf Club with a seven-under 65.

“My game has improved because I can drive longer now. That means my chip-in shots are shorter,” said Pornanong, who has worked hard on her fitness with her South Korean trainer.

“With the trainer travelling with me, I am physically stronger and can hit drives further. Today I hit close to the pins which made it easier for me to putt in,” added Pornanong who made a 15-yard eagle shot from the bunker. 

Fellow Thai and Tour rookie Thidapa Suwannapura carded a 69 to share 21st position with South Korean world No 2 Choi Na-yeon, Park Inbee and Han Hee-won. Following a shot behind was another Thai rookie, Moriya Jutanugarn, whose 70 left her tied 39th. Compatriot Numa Gulyanamitta hit nine-over 81 to land bottom of the standings at 131st.