THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Thanyakorn edges ahead at All Thailand Championship

Thanyakorn edges ahead at All Thailand Championship

Khon Kaen-born Thanyakorn Khrongpha carded back-to-back 66s to grab a one-stroke lead at the midway stage of the Bt3-million Singha Panasonic All Thailand Championship at the Laem Chabang International Country Club yesterday.

The 2013 No 1 player on the Thai PGA Tour fired six birdies against his only bogey over 36 holes for a total 10-under 132 at the par-71, 7,020-yard layout. Following a shot behind were a trio of Worrasorn Suwanpanang and Peradol Panyathanasedh, who were first-round co-leaders with Thanyakorn, and Wolmer Murillo of Venezuela.
“My game was a bit tight today as my putting didn’t work the way I wanted. I missed easy putts and got a bit upset,” said the 26-year-old, who is taking a week’s break from the Japan Tour.
“But overall it was a good round as I made only one bogey in two days, on the 15th. On this course the rough is long and the bunkers are tough, so hit the ball there and it’s tough to recover to a good position,” added Thanyakorn, looking for his first win in three years.
“My situation isn’t yet secure as I’m only one shot ahead of the chasing pack. I have to shoot good scores on par-fives or short par fours. … I will try my best to end this long title drought.”
Worrasorn, a young gun from Surat Thani, shot a second-round 67 to share the lead. The 22-year-old sprinkled his round with five birdies and an eagle on the 18th against three bogeys for a total nine-under 133.
“I was happy with my game although there were a few mistakes. On the [15-yard] chip in for an eagle, I only expected to make a birdie. When the ball rolled in I was astonished.
“I came here hoping to make the cut as I’ve never made it to the weekend in my two previous attempts on this course. I’ve exceeded my target, so anything that happens from now is a bonus,” added Worrasorn, who scored two runners-up places on the Thai PGA Tour last year.
Murillo, a 35-year-old Asian Tour veteran, shot a bogey-free 66 while Bangkokian Peradol recovered from a double bogey on the 10th to card 67.
The winner of the event will earn a slot at the Panasonic Open in Japan next year.
Former tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan, in his first tournament as a professional golfer, failed to make the cut at 144 after hitting a 10-over 152. 
 
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