Jeeno Thitikul carded a 63 to position himself among the leaders in Thailand.
CHONBURI, Thailand — World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul recorded a 9-under 63 on Friday, propelling her into second place at her home LPGA Thailand tournament held at the Siam Country Club Old Course near Bangkok.
Thitikul, who marked her 23rd birthday on Friday, is three strokes behind the second-round leader Somi Lee, who posted a 61, featuring an eagle 2 from the fairway on the 15th hole.
The South Korean golfer has a two-round total of 17-under 127.
“I achieved the best score of my life today, so I’m feeling a bit emotional,” Lee remarked. “However, since the competition is still ongoing and there are two more days remaining, I just want to enjoy this moment a little.”
The tournament, located approximately 75 miles east of Bangkok, is the first of three consecutive events in Asia, with upcoming tournaments in Singapore and China.
Japan’s Chizzy Iwai fired a bogey-free 62, placing her in a tie for third with New Zealander Lydia Ko (64), four strokes off the lead.
Thitikul recorded four birdies and an eagle over the last six holes of her front nine on Friday, then added birdies on her 10th and 11th holes to take the lead after being two strokes behind following the first round. However, Thitikul’s momentum slowed on the remainder of her back nine, as she made six consecutive pars before finishing with a birdie on 18.
“It was certainly enjoyable to make so many birdies today and receive numerous birthday wishes from the fans,” Thitikul stated.
Canadian Brooke Henderson shot a 68, placing her at 5 under, 12 strokes behind Lee. Defending champion Angel Yin recorded a 75 and stands at even par.
