WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2024
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Teenage prodigy on verge of landing All Thailand Golf Tour 's richest tournament

Teenage prodigy on verge of landing  All Thailand Golf Tour 's richest tournament

Chiang Rai - Teenage sensation Phachara Khongwatmai shot a sizzling 65 to grab a three-shot advantage over defending champion Phanuphol Pittayarat heading into today’s final round of the BT5 million Singha Masters at the Santiburi Country Club on Saturday.

The 18-year-old from Hat Yai sprinkled his round with six birdies and an eagle against a lone bogey on the 15th hole to dominate Thailand’s richest golf tournament with a three-round total of 17 under-par-199.
“I was playing well like I did in the first round. Even though I got into difficult positions, I still managed to find a way back, which is why I shot a better score today,” said Phachara, who finished his day with an astonishing birdie from the bunker. 
His round’s highlight also featured a 20-foot eagle putt on the fifth hole.
 The teen prodigy who used to hold the world record as the youngest winner to win a professional event after he won the 2013 Hua Hun Open at the age of 14, is now in pole position to win an event in which he came so close last year. 


On that occasion he was leading Panuphol Pittayarat by one shot going up the 18th but a finishing double-bogey cost him the trophy and he had to settle for second.
“I’ve already put that behind me and now I am looking ahead for a better result,” said Phachara, who is close to ending a two-year title drought since he won the 2016 Singha Esan Open in Khon Kaen.
“I will not put myself under pressure. I will just try to stick to my game plan.”
“I had no idea I haven’t won for such a long time,” said Phachara who finished second three times in 2017: in the Singapore Open, the ISPS Handa World Super 6 in Perth and the Indonesia Masters.
“I actually didn’t set any special targets this week but as I have come so close again, I will try my best to win on Sunday.” 

Teenage prodigy on verge of landing  All Thailand Golf Tour \'s richest tournament

Panuphol Pittayarat 


Panuphol, the 2017 Order of Merit winner of the All Thailand Golf Tour, carded an unblemished 67 for a total of 14-under-par-202.
“It will depend on my putts tomorrow,” he said. “I will try to shoot birdies. Even though I won last year  and have more experience, it doesn’t mean I stand a better chance. The one who grabs more opportunities will win.”

 

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