Gritty Teen Chanettee Hangs onto Lead

The winner of four events in 2022 committed a double bogey on the 12th hole by teeing to the woods before raising her level to fire three straight birdies from holes No 3-5 to settle with a 69. Her two-day total was at eight under-par-134, one shot ahead of Parinda Phokun.

“I didn’t play as well as I did in the first round. The flag positions are trickier, and I didn’t hit to ball to the positions I would want to. I hit several good chip shots to the greens but the ball rolled way back to the fringe,” said Chanettee who just turned 18 a fortnight ago.

Once again, she will enter the weekend rounds in the penultimate group. Thus far this season, she has accumulated four crowns: the two previous Thailand Mixed series in Cha-Am and Hat Yai, the LPGA Thailand National Qualifiers in Pattaya and the Thai LPGA Tour event in Chonburi last Sunday.

“I don’t want to set my expectation too high this week. I just want to keep improving each day. The course sets up tough especially the pin positions. I must be extra careful on Saturday,” Chanettee added. 

Parinda, who has 7 trophies on the Thai LPGA Tour in her cabinet, endured a roller-coaster day before settling with a 67. She produced a brilliant form to shoot five out of her eight birdies at the front nine only to commit a double bogey on the 11th hole and back-to-back bogeys on the 14th – 15th holes. 

“I played unbelievably well at the front but I lost my momentum at the back especially on the 14th and 15th holes which are tough,” said the 25-year-old who is seeking her first victory of the season.

“On Saturday, I have to be more consistent with my chipping and putting game. I also have to be more prudent on the 14th and 15th holes. If I hit to the wrong spots, I will be in trouble,” added the 2017 Thai LPGA Tour No 1.

 Pannapa Polnamin, with a second round 69, sat three strokes back on a total 137.

Following two shots behind were up-and-coming Denwit David Boriboonsub, the only man in the top five, who carded a 68 and Princess Superal who hit a 66, both with a total 138.

Only nine players hit under par after two days. The other four were Sangchai Kaewcharoen, two under, and Chaiyapond Ouitragoon, Kusuma Meechai and inaugural champion Arpichaya Yubol, each with one under and a total 141. 

A total of 72 players made the cut at 10 over-par-152. 

Fans can watch live coverage of the third Thailand Mixed either on AIS Play APP and TrustGolf Facebook and Youtube. 

The Thailand Mixed is organised by TrustGolf, an indoor training center with advanced technology. It is supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Bangkok Bank, B.Grimm Company, Bond Holdings, AISPLAY, Bridgestone, Trust Pharmacy, Trust Live Streaming, Adidas Golf,  the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration and Rayong Green Valley Country Club in Rayong.