Teen starlets head local challenge at season-ending Masters

Saranporn Langkulgasettrin

 The two teenagers will enter the tri-sanctioned event (Thai LPGA, China LPGA and Australian LPG) as the Kingdom’s potential prospects to steal the limelight in the season-ending tournament of the Thai LPGA Tour.
 “I cannot wait to compete in a home tournament again as I have spent most of the time playing overseas,” said 18-year-old Saranporn, who has made the cut in every tournament she has entered over the past four years and has won two China LPGA titles this season.
 “I haven’t thought about defending my title yet as I have to come back and practise at the course first. I also need to shape up my game to get ready for the Japan LPGA Tour Q-School.”
 Sixteen-year-old Arpichaya from Saraburi, who set a new record on the Thai LPGA Tour by winning five successive events (the 4th to 8th circuits) this season, said her ongoing domination was more than she had expected.

 “I actually set a target to win only one title this year. I think I’ve become more focussed and have less tension which is why I have done so well,” added Arpichaya, who will end the year as the Thai LPGA No 1 player regardless of her results in the Masters.
 “Of course my confidence is growing with five wins in a row but I don’t think I’m the favourite to win as there will be a lot of good players out there.”
 This year’s field features 114 players from 15 countries: 35 players from the Thai LPGA, 44 from China, 20  from Australia and 15 invitation spots.
They will compete in a three-round strokeplay format over 54 holes, with a cut after two rounds for the top-50 and ties.
The winner will earn a cheque for Bt600,000.

Live broadcast  on Thursday, 20 September (13.30-16.30 hrs.) and Friday, 21 September (11.30-14.30 hrs.) can be watched on True Sport HD 2 of True Visions. Admission tickets are available at ticket booths in Panya Indra Golf Club during 19-21 September at 100 Thai Baht/person (3-day pass) and free entry for spectators under 18 and over 60.