Rainproof Swede clings to lead

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden fired an even-par 72 but still held onto the lead at the halfway stage of the rain interrupted US$1.5-million Honda LPGA Thailand at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course yesterday.

Unseasonal rain lashed the par-72, 6,568 course the entire morning making life difficult for most players, including the world No 27, who swapped three birdies with three bogeys (two in the last three holes) for six-under 138. Bogeys on 16 and 18 reduced her advantage to just one shot against a chasing pack of Azahara Munoz of Spain, Julieta Granada of Paraguay and Germany’s Sandra Gal.

“I felt that I hit the ball solid. I was a little disappointed to finish with a bogey on the last. Overall, I have been hitting it great this week. Today I felt like all things were good. Just couldn’t make the putts to drop,” said Nordqvist, still looking for her first title since winning in the LPGA Tour Championship in November 2009.

“I’m excited. This is a position I have been practising to be in. Halfway through, and there are 36 more holes, but I’m happy with the way I’m playing. Hopefully I can make a couple of more putts over the weekend and that should take care of it,” Nordqvist said.

Granada carded an error-free 68 while Munoz too came up with a 68 and Gal made a 70.

“It was interesting. Had a whole lot of rain on the front nine, so had to keep our cool and maintain concentration. But I holed out twice with two lob shots today. That was nice. It was very welcome,” said Gal, who suffered with left-hip and shoulder injuries last year.

World No 44 Gal sank three birdies on the front nine and a lone bogey on the 16th. “I think I had a pretty smooth front nine. The back nine played a little bit tougher and I missed a couple of greens. I made a lot of really good up and downs,” said the Florida-based Gal, whose only LPGA victory was in Carlsbad in 2011.

World No 3 Stacy Lewis of the United States shot a 68 for a 4-under 140 that kept her tied fifth with fellow countrywoman Michelle Wie, who had an inconsistent round of 1-over 73.

A stroke behind at seventh were Australian Karrie Webb, South Korean Ryu So-yeon, the 2011 US Women’s Open, American Jennifer Johnson and Angela Stanford, each with 141.

World No 1 Inbee Park shot back-to-back 71s for 142 to share 11th place with New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, world No 2 Suzann Pettersen of Norway and American Lexi Thompson.

Thidapa Suwannapura hit a second-round 70 for a 143, which placed her tied at 18th. It was the best position among six Thais in the tournament. 

“I just kept the ball in play and went for the flags whenever I had the chance. The greens were soft today due to the rain, which made it easier for me to hit the ball to the pin. On this course you just cannot play too aggressive or it will be tough to find your way back,” said the 21-year-old Thidapa, who got into the tournament only on Sunday.

“This is by far my best position in my fourth appearance at this tournament. I must go for it when opportunities come,” added Thidapa who finished 11th in the Bahamas but missed the cut last week in Australia.

Thai No 1 Pornanong Phatlum was 23rd after a 73 for a total of 144. Moriya Jutanugarn wrapped up the midway stage with 148, while sister Ariya was at 149 and Supamas Sangchan at 150.