Storm disrupts play in Pattaya

Storm disrupts play in Pattaya

Honda LPGA leaders Ariya and Yang fail to tee off, organisers hope to complete two rounds today

Moriya Jutanugarn of Thailand plays a shot in the second round at Siam Country Club yesterday. Photos: Pattanapong Hirunard
Moriya Jutanugarn of Thailand plays a shot in the second round at Siam Country Club yesterday. Photos: Pattanapong Hirunard

Pattaya: An unseasonal storm washed out the second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand yesterday, with pools of water on the fairways preventing any significant play.

The mid-morning downpour meant leaders Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand and Amy Yang from South Korea -- both on six-under-par 66 after round one -- were among the players unable to tee off.

The duo still had the best scores among the 70 participants at in the 11th edition of the tournament at Siam Country Club.

The final group of Ariya, Yang and Kim Sei-Young did not tee off, while the penultimate group of Minjee Lee, Ryann O'Toole and Feng Shanshan only hit their tee shots on the first hole before being called in.

Ariya and Yang remained leaders with Lee, O'Toole and Feng a shot back.

Also a shot back are Danielle Kang and Cristie Kerr who both birdied the par-five first hole.

Thai teenager Atthaya Thitikul. Photo: Pattanapong Hirunard

South Korea's Jang Ha-Na, who won at the Women's Australian Open last week, had the low round on the course at three-under through eight holes to move into a tie for ninth at four-under par.

The second round will resume today at 7am, with the third round to follow immediately after.

Yesterday's play was called off at 3.45pm due to unplayable course conditions caused by the severe weather.

"We were hoping we could get out and play some more golf. All four of us [LPGA rules officials] went out and looked, and there is just too much of a mess out there to be able to go and play today," said Sue Witters, LPGA vice president of rules and competition.

"It'll take them a long time to restore the bunkers and pump the water out. We're not going to play anymore today, and we'll resume play at seven tomorrow to finish round two."

World No.2 Ariya is the home favourite to become the first local player to win the Honda LPGA Thailand title.

Ariya hopes to make amends for her final-hole meltdown at the same course in 2013.

Then a 17-year-old, the Thai star held a two-shot lead with one hole to play but she choked on the final hole with a triple bogey to hand the title to South Korea's Park In-Bee.

She enjoyed a stellar 2016, winning five events including the Women's British Open, en route to becoming the LPGA player of the year.

Six other Thais are playing in the Honda LPGA Thailand. They are Pornanong Phatlum, Moriya Jutanugarn, Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras, Porani Chutichai, Pajaree Anannarukarn and Atthaya Thitikul.

Pajaree, 17, and Atthaya, 13, are the only two amateurs in the field.

Moriya played two holes in the storm-hit second round yesterday and was three-under par.

South Korea's Jang Ha-Na before hitting a shot. Photo: Pattanapong Hirunard

Prayad, Danthai share lead

Veteran Prayad Marksaeng failed to reproduce his opening-day form in the second round yesterday, allowing Danthai Boonma to catch up with him at the top of the leaderboard at the Singha E-San Open.

Prayad, following his spectacular nine-under effort in the first round, finished the day at two-under 70 for a 133 total at Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club.

Danthai, who at 21 is 30 years younger than Prayad, was the star performer of the day, carding a seven-under 65 for a share of the lead at the 3.2-million-baht tournament.

Gunn Charoenkul, Thitiphun Chuayprakong and Settee Prakongvech were tied for third place, one shot off the pace.

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