Thai WONDER-KID rises
ATTHAYA THITIKUL, 14, MOVES TO WITHIN ONE SHOT OF MENENDEZ
CHON BURI
OVERNIGHT LEADER Ana Menendez of Mexico shot an even-par score to stay top of the leaderboard at the halfway stage of the 300,000-euro Ladies European Thailand Championship at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club yesterday.
On a day when most players struggled to shoot scores under 70, the 25-year-old’s 72 put her at 4-under-par 140 for a one-shot lead over Thai teenager and amateur Atthaya Thitikul.
“I’m happy with my round. I didn’t hit as many fairways as yesterday. The course can be a little tricky with its rough. I felt good with the way I handled things today,” said Menendez who made two cuts from 10 starts last year as a rookie on tour. Her best result so far this year is a joint 21st at the Lalla Meryem Cup.
“I was in the rough a few times. My driver was not as sharp as it was yesterday. I’m happy that a few putts went in on the back nine,” said the Mexican.
“I want to enjoy things, as this is my first time in Thailand and I really like it a lot,” Menendez said.
Atthaya, the youngest in the field at 14, bounced back from a bogey on the front nine to shoot a 71 and become the leading local contender with a 3-under-par 141.
“My driver and approach shots were not so good but my putting really helped me,” said Atthaya, who won an amateur title in Taiwan last week.
“I’m a bit nervous competing with professional players. I will try to talk with my caddie and have a good time out there,” she said.
Former German amateur champion Karolin Lampert shot a 71 to sit two strokes back at two-under 142 and in lone third position.
Overnight joint leader Chonlada Chayanun failed to maintain her form, swapping a double bogey with two birdies on the back nine before committing three bogeys on the front to finish at 75 for a total of 143. She shared fourth place alongside Sweden’s Frida Gustafsson Spang, one of the two players who carded a 70, and Spaniard Luna Sobron who hit a 71. Thailand’s Pimpadsorn Sangkagard was in seventh position along with Sweden’s Lina Boqvist (71) and Jessica Karlsson (73) after her second straight 72.
A total of 66 players made the cut at 7-over-par 151.
