Tour champion Parinda pulls clear in Masters
Parinda Phokan continued her impressive play in the Bt4 million Thailand LPGA Masters with a spectacular 67 to build a four-shot lead heading into the final round at the Panya Indra Golf Course on Thursday.
With six birdies against her first bogey after 36 holes, last year’s joint runner-up took her two-round total to 11 under-par-133, four shots ahead of unfancied Waralee Atcharerk, who carded five birdies against two bogeys for a second-round 69 to be on 137.
‘’I feel proud of myself for playing another good round,” said 21-year-old Parinda, who finished the 2017 season as No 1 player on the Thai LPGA Tour.
“I haven’t had great scores for two consecutive days in a long time. I hope to maintain this level going into the final on Friday.”
The Khon Kaen player tarnished her scorecard for the first time this week on the 13th, where her tee shot landed precariously close to a water hazard.
“I had to have a drop shot to get out of the position or otherwise I could have finished worse than a bogey on that hole,” she said.
“Other than that I hit close to the pins several times or managed to hole my putts from some tough lies.
“I will be happy with the score no matter what happens. I have to have great fun out there and stick to my game plan to win.”
Parinda who lost to Saranporn Langkulgasettrin by just a stroke last year, is seeking her second win on the Thai LPGA tour.
Waralee, 18 from Ubon Ratchathani, is still hoping for her maiden victory after turning pro in May last year. Her best finish was third in Khon Kaen last month.
“I’m very pleased. This is beyond my expectations. I will try to play shot by shot and stay focused,” said the Physical Education Insitution of Bangkok Campus student.
Patcharajutar Kongkraphan, Australian Munchin Keh and South Korean Park Jin Hee were tied for third, two shots further back.
