Sixteen-year-old amateur beats pros to Thai LPGA title

Chakasim got off to a flying start with four birdies from five holes before eventually finishing with six birdies against three bogeys for a total eight-under-par 208 at the 6,361yard, par72 layout.

 “I’m so happy to win this tournament as there were a lot of strong professionals in the field. This is also my first victory against the pros after winning a couple of amateur categories in the past,” said the teenager from Khon Kaen.

 “I have a busy schedule that includes the WWGA Amateur and the World Junior Championship in the US. This win is a great boost before my trip to America,” added Chakansim, whose amateur status meant she had to forgo the winner’s prize money.

 The top prize of Bt114,000 went instead to runnerup Saranporn, who swapped two birdies with a double bogey on the 11th for a finishing 72 and an aggregate three-under- 213.

 “It’s sad I didn’t win since I wanted to dedicate a victory to the memory of my grandfather, who just passed away. Chakansim putted so well and deserved to win,” said Saraporn, who will attend the funeral of her grandfather in Phuket before flying to compete in Taiwan.

 Two other amateurs, Pimnipa Panthong and Nattapan Siritrai, carded 214 and 215 respectively to finish third and fourth.