Saranporn Wins Back-To-Back All Thailand Golf Tour Titles.

The 16-year-old from Phuket who also won the previous circuit at the Royal Hills Golf Resort and Spa a fortnight ago sent home a 30-foot birdie chip from the green fringe  to beat amateur Kanyalak Preedasuttijit and  Parinda Phokan on the par four first hole after they were all tied with two-under-par 211 in the regular play.

It was a crucial comeback for the teenager who was deducted one stroke by relocating the ball twice during play on the 18 th according to preferred line rule. Otherwise she would have wrapped the victory with a 210.

“I paid the price for being silly. I didn’t even know I broke the rules until I sent the scorecard. Even my dad was ready to drive me home,” said the Saranporn who won the winner’s prize money of BT32,000.

“I was crying when my dad said “You have good record in the play-off, don’t you? So go get it.” It gave me confidence as I realized I have won three out of four play-offs since the junior years,” added Saranporn who won a total of four career titles.

While Kanyalak was unable to receive the prize money due to her amateur status, the other runner-up Panida would return home BT25,500 richer.

In the men’s par 71 6,948 yard third round competition, midway leader Namchok Tantipokhakul held onto his lead after he carded 68 for a three day total of 11-under-par 202 to lead Lerpong Sithiwong by one stroke.

Namchok sank five birdies against two bogeys for his second straight 68 while  Lerpong also fired back-to-back 68s to breath on his neck with a total 203. 

“I drove the ball quite OK and gave myself several good opportunities. The rain made it difficult to play as the green became soft. I chipped quite well except for the first and 15 th holes that I made bogeys. I came this far to stay on the lead and hopefully I won’t let myself down in the final day ,” said the 29-year-old from Chonburi.

Lerpong, 28, had to complete the postponed second round in the  morning said playing  26 holes in one day affected his game.

“I was a bit tired at the end of the third round. But I was having a great time today as I didn’t make many mistakes except on the 15^th hole where I needed three putts. I’m just one stroke behind the leader so I am quite confident that I stand a great shot at winning this tournament,” said the Lampang-based who last won a title in the Thailand PGA Tour at the Khao Cha-Ngok Golf and Country Club in Nakhon Nayok two years ago.

Udorn Duangdecha and Natthapong Niyomchon , with a round of 68 and 70 respectively, followed at third with 205s.

The final round of the men’s event can be seen on TrueSport 5 from 11am onwards.