Teen, 15, stuns field for title
FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD amateur Onkanok Soisuwan came from six strokes behind to win the women’s title of the Bt2-million Singha Chiang Mai Open following a two shot victory at the Mae Jo Golf Resort and Spa yesterday.
The 11th-grade student of Sasrasas Witaed Bangbon School carded an ending 68 and a total even par 213 to beat overnight leader Suchaya Tangkamolprasert and Ploychompoo Wilairungruang in the par 71 5,797 yard course for the women’s event. Onkanok kicked off the round six shot behind Suchaya. She also finished her round first and was tied with Suchaya and Ploychompoo who were playing two holes behind. But the two suffered back-to-back bogeys, handing the unfancied girl the trophy.
“I was so surprised to win this tournament as I was six shots behind the leader after two rounds. I just kept playing my own game but they made mistakes in the last two holes,” said the girl from Bangkok, who just competed in her third professional tours this year.
“I need to gain more experience before turning professional when I become 17,” added Onkan, winner of the Singapore Junior Open this year.
Suchaya and Ploychompoo signed off with a 76 and 72 respectively for tied second with a total 215 each. Both received the Bt28,750 apiece. In the par-71 6,561 yard men’s third-round competition, defending champion Prayad Marksaeng shot a bogey free 65 to hang onto his lead, three ahead of two young guns Phachara Kongwatmai and Poosit Supupramai.
“I’m 90 per cent confident of defending my title here. I have more experience and I’m mentally tougher. But it depends on how the boys will perform tomorrow. I need to shoot scores early to leave them behind,” said the 50-year-old Prayad who fired a three round total of 21-under-par 192.
Seventeen-year-old Phachara used his accurate putts to fire a 63 and a total 18-under-par 195.
“I putted very well today especially in the last three holes. I don’t write off my chance at winning this tournament as I’m just a few strokes behind the lead. I’m quite confident with my game but it depends on many things including luck as well.”
