Perfect Scorecard Propels Benyapa to Share Lead with Arpichaya at SAT-TWT Open in Rayong

While the rest of the field had at least one bogey in round two, Benyapa committed no error at the dampened par 72 6,378 course, carding a total five under-par-139 to share the lead with Arpichaya who shot three birdies against two bogeys for a 71.
 

“I just focused on one shot at a time today. I hit the iron better than yesterday which is why I had a low score today. The course is quite soaked wet which prevented the ball from rolling,” said Benyapa, the 2017 Player of the Year on the LPGA challenger tour (then known as “Symetra Tour”).

A wrist injury has been the hindrance of Benyapa’s career, forcing her to take several breaks from the circuit. Since turning professional in 2015, she has yet to win a tournament with a tied sixth finish in the 2018 LPGA event in Portland in as her best result on a big tour to date. 

Asked if this was the right time to have a breakthrough win, she said: “I didn’t expect anything at all. I’m not even sure whether we will be able to play tomorrow due to the weather condition.”

In fact, Benyapha just resumed training a few days before the tournament as she had to help her mother who is being hospitalized after an accident take care of a family business. 
 

“My mother was injured in a gas explosion, but now she is safe. She is the reason why I’m competing here because knowing that I’m  competing is something that makes her happy. I call her every day and receive blessings from her,” Benyapha said.

With the Typhoon Noru hitting many provinces in Thailand, organisers keep their finger crossed that the final round will be completed. 

Overnight leader Arpichaya who is in the hunt for her third title of the season hoped all final round actions will be finished ahead of the storm. 

“I hope there would be no interruption, so we can finish the round. But things like this are beyond control. On my part, I don’t set a goal to win. I just hope that I can hit the iron better than I did today and have another under-par round,” said the 20-year-old Arpichaya. 

Another strong contender Patcharajutar Kongkraphan put herself in contention once again with a 69, and sat just a shot back at four-under-par 140 along with Chayanit Wangmahaporn and Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong.

“I had an inconsistent  round but fortunately I managed to hit a 69. Everyone still has an equal chance to win as there is no big margin. We just have to hope for a clear day tomorrow,” said Patcharajutar, winner of five local tour titles in 2022.