Thanaphat two shots ahead

Thanaphat Phichaikul fired a six-underpar 66 in the first round to take a two-shot lead at the 82nd Singha Thailand Amateur Open yesterday.

Thanaphat, who made six birdies at Bangkok’s Panya Indra Golf Club, was two strokes ahead of Runchanaphong Youprayong and Yu Ta Tsai of Taiwan who shared second place on 68.

Yu Chen Yeh, also from Taiwan, stayed fourth on 69.

Thai national team players Witchayanon Chothirungrueang and Sadom Kaewkanjana were tied for fifth on 70 with Christofer Rahm of the UAE and Ready Scott of Australia.

The 16-yea-old Thanaphat, who is making his debut in the tournament, said that everything clicked especially his putter.

“This is a big tournament. So, everyone wants to win and everyone has a chance to win,” said Thanaphat who has finished second in his last four tournaments.

In the women’s event, Virunphat Orankitkulchai fired a 67 with five birdies.

She was three strokes better than second-placed Tagklao Jeeravivittporn, who shot two birdies in a bogey-free round.

Waralee Atchalerk stayed third on 71 with Yi Chia Chang of Taiwan one shot down further.

Another Thai hopeful Kanyalak Preedasuttijit carded a 74 to tie for seventh with Shoka Furuya of Japan and Kan Bunnabodee.

Looking for her first win in the tournament in her fourth appearance, Kanyalak said that her first round result was better than expected.

“Good approach shots gave me lots of birdie chances,” said the 17-year-old.

“I want to win the title here after being in the top five two years ago. There are three more days to go and I will try not put pressure on myself.”