Ariya granted Tatiya Direkgunabhorn royal decoration

The 21-year-old current world No 5 received the honour in front of the image of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn with Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and SAT governor Sakon Wannapong witnessing.

The royal decoration was to reward the Kingdoms ace  who became the first from Thailand to reach world No 1 in June after she lifted up her sixth LPGA title in the Manulife LPGA Classic in Ontario.

“I feel deeply honoured to be granted this royal decoration from His Majesty the King. It’s a great honour for me and for my family. I’m inspired to try even better in my next events,” said Ariya who last year also received a royal decoration in the Direkgunabhorn title granted by the late His Majesty King Bhumibol (also received in from of HM Image) for winning three first LPGA titles in May.

However, the winner of six LPGA title was no where near her best after she reigned the throne of women’s golf. She missed the cut six out of her next eight events after the win in Canada. She slipped from the top ranking to be at fifth this week.

“There’s no pressure for me at all. It’s normal to have some down moments, “ said Ariya who is spending a three week break in Bangkok.

"The challenge for me is to keep working and figure out a way to regain my level. I will work hard to win my next title as soon as possible,” said Ariya who will resume her actions again in the LPGA event in South Korea between October 12-15.

Her elder sister Moriya, on the contrary, has been enjoying her best form since June  as she managed to finish in the top 10 in six out of 12 tournaments including the year’s fifth Major in France where she was the third round leader before signing off at joint third.

“Moriya is getting more and more confident which is why she is playing so well. We always support each other no through thick and thin.”