Preenaphan brimming with joy after play-off win
>> Preenaphan Poomklay beat Sariya Sanguannam in a sudden-death playoff to claim her maiden career title at the Singha Hua Hin Open yesterday.
The 22-year-old Preenaphan bogeyed the par-four second hole during the play-off to defeat Sariya at the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Both bogeyed the par-five first hole.
Preenaphan and Sariya finished on 10-over 223 after 54 holes.
“I’m so happy I won today. I can’t put into words,” said Preenaphan. “I didn’t think I had a chance at this course because I have never done well here.
“I was so nervous because this was my first play-off as well. I had to take a deep breath before making that last putt,” she added.
In the men’s event, veteran Udorn Duangdecha held a slim one-shot lead going into today’s final round.
The 47-year-old from Chiang Mai shot a four-under 67 to move to nineunder 204, one shot ahead of Hua Hin native Prom Meesawat, who hit a 70.
Peradol Panyathanasedh was third on 208 after a 73 while Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol (69) was a stroke further back at fourth place.
Defending champion Suradit Yongcharoenchai had a day to remember after hitting a hole-in-one at the par-three fourth hole. The 19-year-old from Nakhon Pathom was tied for ninth place on 213.
“I knew I hit it close to the pin with my pitching wedge but didn’t think much of it. I got to the green and couldn’t see the ball, then the group in front of me said it was an ace,” said Suradit, who shot a 72 yesterday.
“It was my third hole-in-one overall but my first in a tournament.”