Saranporn in the driver’s seat in China
Thai teen has a share of the lead with 13-year-old Chinese amateur Yin at Sun Car Classic
>> ZHANGJIAGANG ISLAND: The emergence of young talent is transforming Asian golf has become clear once again at the Sun Car Zhangjiagang Shuangshan Classic in Jiangsu province yesterday as 18-year-old Saranporn Langkulgasettrin of Thailand shared the secondround lead with 13-year-old amateur Yin Xiaowen of China.
Playing in her third CLPGA Tour event this season, Saranporn posted an even-par round of 72 while Tianjin teenager Yin shot 71 to sit at four-under 140 through 36 holes at the China LPGA Tour event.
Saranporn, the tour’s reigning Order of Merit champion, had an adventurous round that featured five birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey to grab a share of the lead on a windy day with tough pin positions at the Shuangshan Golf Club layout.
“I had a roller coaster round today. Overall it was good. I loved the way I hit my driver. I got lots of birdies,” said the Phuket native, who won six tournaments in the region last year.
“My legs are a little bit tired. After dinner I will go back to the hotel and take bath. Tomorrow I want to enjoy my round.”
Starting on the back nine, Yin quickly got to work with a birdie on her opening hole, the 372-yard 10th. The youngster then parred the next nine holes before making a double-bogey five at the 164-yard second.
After a birdie at the 360-yard third, Yin got into trouble in the next hole, registering a double-bogey six. She then closed strongly with birdies at the fifth, seventh and ninth to move into contention.
“The pin positions were more difficult than yesterday. My iron play was good and I could get the ball to the pin,” said Yin.
“After hole 11 I felt tired. There were two cameras at the first few holes on the back nine, looking at it I felt nervous, I couldn’t concentrate on my shots. After the two double bogeys, the cameras weren’t there. I ate a snack and tried to calm down. I felt better. I am going to call my coach and would love to hear from him. I think I will be conservative tomorrow,” Yin said.
Chinese amateur Zhang Yue was one shot off the lead following a 72, while Thailand’s Kanyalak Preedasuttijit (75) was two shots behind. Another local amateur Liu Wenbo, the defending champion, shot 74 to share fifth place with compatriot Ren Yue (72) and Thailand’s Renuka Suksukont (74).
Overnight leader Saraporn Chamchoi of Thailand had a disastrous round of 82 to fall eight shots off the lead.