Tavatanakit leads Thitikul by 3 strokes at LPGA Thailand

Patty Tavatanakit lines up her shot at the 10th tee during the second round of the Ladies Professional Golf Association's Hugel-Air Premia LA Open golf tournament at Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles on April 22, 2021 (April 23 in Manila).

PATTAYA, Thailand: Patty Tavatanakit finished with an eagle to take a three-stroke lead over Atthaya Thitikul at the halfway stage of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Thailand tournament.

Tavatanakit moved to 16-under 128 at the Siam Country Club after a 12-foot putt on the par-5 18th for back-toback 64s. Despite no spectators because of the pandemic, Tavatanakit and 18-year-old Thitikul were playing under high home expectations. A Thai player has never won this US LPGA Tour event. Ariya Jutanugarn was second in 2013, and her sister Moriya Jutanugarn, runner-up in 2018.

“My driving wasn’t the greatest today; a little bit off. But I feel like I just ignored the fact that I have to make it perfect and play from wherever I hit,” Tavatanakit said.

The 21-year-old Tavatanakit, who became Thailand’s new leading female golfer, following her breakthrough win at the ANA Inspiration major last month, said she missed playing in front of spectators.

“When I played this tournament years ago, there was a big crowd coming to see us, which was a great atmosphere,” Tavatanakit said. “But it’s been quiet these two days. I really miss the fans.”

Thitikul had a bogey on the 17th and had a secondround 67.

“I played pretty well, but didn’t make some putts. I need to go straight to the driving range to fix my irons and work on my putts,” said Thitikul, a two-time Ladies European Tour (LET) winner.

Thitikul turned professional last year and ended up 2020 as the No. 1 on the Thai LPGA Tour. The LPGA Thailand is her final tune-up before she joins the LET.

“Coming from amateur to pro, I know I still have a lot to improve in my game,” Thitikul said.

Caroline Masson (66) is a stroke behind Thitikul in third. Lydia Ko (67), Gaby Lopez (64) and Nanna Koerstz Madsen (68) are tied for fourth, five strokes behind Tavatanakit.