Thanyakorn Hopes for Home Crown
[GOLF] Khon Kaen - Hometown boy Thanyakorn Krongpha produced a bogey free round of 67 to establish a one shot lead over teenage sensation Phachara Khongwatmai after round three of BT3 Million Singha E San Open at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf
The 25-year-old Thanyakorn fired five birdies on holes No 1, 3, 7, 11 and 18 for a three day total of 10-under-par 206 at the par 72 7,603 yard landscape.
“I hit the irons well today but still made some erratic putts. Luckily I managed to save two difficult par putts especially on the 15 th hole where I hit to the pool and ended the round without a bogey,” said Thanyakorn who has his eyes firmly fixed on winning a home title after settling at second at this course twice in 2013 and 2014.
“I’d love to finally win a title especially a home tournament. I already hit the driver and the iron well. I just need to putt well too to stand a good chance at winning,” added the young gun hoping to end a long drought of victory since winning three titles in 2013, the year he finished No 1 in the All Thailand Tour.
Seventeen-year-old Phachara opened his round with a birdie only to boogey the next hole. But he got into the groove at the back nine where he sank five birdies to finish with a 67 and a total nine-under-par 207.
“I started well with a birdie but missed an easy putt in the next hole which kept me off rhythm for awhile. But I started to find my game again at the back nine,” said the teenager from Songkhla, looking for his first win of the season after winning the Boonchu Ruangkit in Nakhon Ratchasima in December.
“I’m confident with my game now and I hope that I can play well in the final round. Whoever plays better will win tomorrow,” said the Thai rising star.
Somchai Pongpaew carded a 73 to trail a stroke behind with an overall 208, a shot ahead of overnight leader Chapchai Nirat who stumbled to a 75 and a total 209.
In the par 72 6,561 yard women’s final, 16-year-old amateur Pajaree Anannarukarn fired a sizzling 65 to win the title with 11-par-205. It was her second victory after winning the title in Prachinburi in 2014.
“Every aspect in my game just worked well today. I’m so happy to win my second title but I have no plan to turn pro until I finish high school and gain more experience,” said the SEA Games gold medallist, an 11th grade student of American International School.
Pannapa Polnamin finished 12 shots behind to take the runner-up spot but received the top prize money of BT28,750 as Pajaree as amateur is not eligible for the prize money.
