Phuripon, Suradit emerge winners in China

The team overcame difficult conditions to take victories in two classes, a runner-up and a fourth place finish against a field of top Chinese and international junior golfers. 

Both wins were in the boys’ classes with Phuripon Namkang steaming to victory in the under-12 class and Suradit Yongcharoenchai outclassing the field in the under-14 class. It was Suradit who recorded the best three-day total with a 9-under 207, including a 67 on the second day of the tournament. He finished two strokes ahead of Han Vuti. Sun Zhua was a stroke away for third place.

Phuripon’s total of a two-over 218 for three days was enough to beat off the competition and he finished well clear of the rest of the field by five strokes on the final day. However, he was neck and neck with China’s Zhang Vi for the first two days, but the Chinese golfer’s challenge faded on the final day to give Phuripon a comfortable victory.

In the boys under-17 class Nitithorn Thippong finished fourth, firing 219 over the three days and finishing six strokes behind the winner. He was leading the pack into the final day but a poor back nine proved his undoing.

The girls had a tougher time, with all three members of the team experiencing difficulties in the opening round. Sasikarn Somboonsup in the under-14 class recovered superbly on the second and third days, finishing with a flourish on the third day with a 4-under 68. Her total of 218 wasn’t quite enough to win the class, as she had to settle for second place, two shots behind the winner. 

Arpichaya Yubol in the girls under-12 class and Pattaraporn Mounchoo competing in the girls under-17 both finished in seventh. Neither was able to overcome the handicap of a horrendous opening round and despite showing a marked improvement on the subsequent days were unable to climb above the middle of the field.

The opening round of the 12th Mercedes-Benz International Junior Golf Championships tees off on September 7 at Narai Hills golf course in Lop Buri. For further information and entry details please contact Pentangle Promotions Co, Ltd on (02) 311 3414-5 or via the website at www.pentanglepromotions.com