FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Home fans buoy Thai HOPEFULS

Home fans buoy Thai HOPEFULS

SIX PLAYERS SET FOR BATTLE IN LPGA THAILAND EVENT

Chonburi - LOCAL CONTENDERS will try to turn home pressure into advantage as they tee off this morning in the $1.6-million LPGA Thailand at the par-72 6,576 yards Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.
The Jutanugarn sisters, Ariya and Moriya, along with Pornanong Phatlum and three invited players – 2014 Asian Games team gold medallist Supamas Sangchan, 2017 Symetra Tour No 1 Benyapa Niphatsophon and 2017 China LPGA Tour No 1 Saranporn Langkulgasettrin – are the six players carrying the Thai flag at the country’s biggest golf event.
The six women have not experienced much home pressure as they spend most of the time playing international events. But they all insisted that they feel inspired to maximise their efforts in front of the home crowd amid challenging hilly conditions.
“I have no more pressure compared to the past. No matter how I do, fans always cheer me. I feel grateful every time I play at home,” said world No 7 Ariya, who produced the best result by a Thai in this event by finishing second in 2013.

Home fans buoy Thai HOPEFULS
Her elder sister, Moriya, the best Thai performer 12 months ago when finished seventh, said she felt the warm welcome at home where she plays only once a year. “It’s great to play in front of Thais. You feel the warmth from fans and they make you want to do your best before them,” said Moriya, who is trying to become the first Thai to win this tournament.
Supamas, who competed for the first time here in 2014 as an amateur and finished 55th, admitted she had suffered cold feet in her maiden appearance but the moral support from the fans helped ease her nerves.
“When you receive such support, you want to do well and be worthy of it. Even when you don’t do well, they are always there to cheer you up,” she said.
Saranporn, the youngest player this week at 18, finds an extra motivation in playing at home – the chance to eat Thai food.
“I just can’t stop eating when I’m home. My dad has to ask me to stop but I don’t want to leave my plate. I love Thai food,” said Saranporn, who has never missed a cut over the past two years.
The Thais will join a 70-player field, which includes top-six players. World No 1 Shanshan Feng, in her ninth appearance here, owns a best result of tied fifth in 2012.
“I don’t understand when it’s so hot here how the grass keepers keep the grass so green. I think this is a great golf course, great design. The course conditions are great, so I’m expecting a very fun week,” said Feng, whose favourite things in Thailand are food and massage.
Joint Player of the year in 2017, Sung Hyun Park, the world No 2, is making her debut at the Siam Country Club and is one to watch this week.
“I have to adjust to the weather conditions well in order to produce good results,” said the 24-year-old victor of last year’s US Women’s Open.
Fans can watch coverage of the first and second rounds at 9 MCOT HD Channel 30 from 2pm onwards.

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