Atthaya rallies to capture second Thai LPGA title
>>Atthaya Thitikul landed her second professional title with a one-shot victory at the sixth leg of the Singha-SAT Thai LPGA Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima on Saturday.
Trailing by one shot after two rounds, the 17-year-old Atthaya, who turned pro late last year, closed with a three-under 69 to win at nine-under 207 at Panorama Golf & Country Club.
Supamas Sangchan had a 70 to finish second on eight-under while Pavarisa Yoktuan and Jackie Chulya were third three strokes back on 211.
Atthaya, a two-time Ladies European Tour winner as an amateur, received 120,000 baht for her second professional title. Earlier, she had registered a two-stroke victory in Prachinburi in July.
“Overall, I am happy with my performance this week despite struggling with my driver,” said Atthaya, who fired four birdies and one bogey in the final round.
The former world No.1 amateur, who has finished in the top-five in her last four events, said there is still room for improvement in her game.
“I putted well this week but need to improve my chipping.”
With her victory, Atthaya now tops the money list with 457,650 baht from six tournaments.
Supamas took home 69,000 baht while Pavarisa and Jackie each got 50,500 baht.
Overnight leader Nattapan Siritrai got the scoreboard ticking on the final day when she carded a birdie at fourth hole. However was followed by meltdown which saw Nattapan pick up six bogeys and a double bogey at seventh to tumble to tied-ninth on even-par 216.
Former LPGA player Patcharajutar Kongkraphan shared 16th on 219 with Kanphanitnan Muangkhumsakul.
The next leg of the championship will be held at Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club from Oct 8-10.