Grief-stricken Panupol shoots 67 to emerge champion
Chiang Rai – Just seven days after losing his girlfriend in a road accident, Panuphol Pittayarat put behind the pain to lift his first All Thailand Tour title with a two-shot victory over teen sensation Phachara Kongwatmai in the Bt5.3 million Singha Masters at the Santiburi Country Club yesterday.
Trailing a shot behind the 18-year-old prodigy, Panuphol sank a birdie on the 18th hole for a 67 to match him at 16-under. Phachara, who was playing flawless golf throughout the day, teed off into a pond on the 18th and collected a double-bogey to finish on 70.
It was the second win on local tours for the 24-year-old Panuphol with the first coming on the Thailand PGA Tour in Rayong four years ago. Phachara finished at 274.
“It’s been a really tough week for me. I was hesitating whether to play here or not. But in the end, I decided to go ahead as I am a professional and this is my job. I tried not to think about the past or the future. Instead, I stayed in the present, playing one shot at a time. In the end, the result made me happy,” said Panupol, who won Bt750,000 for his victory.
On Monday night, Panupol endeavoured one of the saddest days of his life when his girlfriend Rada Kornjirajindakul passed away following a motorcycle accident while she was on her way to Chiang Rai.
“I always get inspiration from people. I thought this week will be something more special. This win is important for me as it’s the biggest local tour event. The win is for many people who have always supported me,” said Panuphol.
Prom Meesawat, with a hole-in-one on the 17th, settled for joint third along with Thammanon Sriroj and Itthipat Buranatanyarat, each with a 276. Overnight leader Pawin Ingkhapradit stumbled to a 79, which saw tied 21st with a total 281.
On the women’s side, amateur Pajaree Anannarukarn beat Parinda Phokan and Saranporn Langkulgasettrin by two strokes for her second All Thailand win.
Pajaree, who won at Khon Kaen last year, started the round with a two-shot advantage before Parinda sank five birdies in eight holes to level at six-under after 16 holes. The rising star then fired a crucial birdie on the 17th to regain the lead before signing off with a 71 and a four-day total of seven-under 281.
“It was a close fight as Parinda was playing so well, especially when she birdied four straight holes. I made some mistakes but the tension pushed me even harder to get back. I enjoyed the competitive atmosphere,” said teenager Pajaree, who was not eligible for the prize money due to her amateur status. Parinda and Saranporn, who finished tied second with 283, each earned the prize money of Bt57,500.
Pajaree plans to turn professional when she turns 18 next month and will fly to the US to prepare herself for the first LPGA Q School Stage in October.
