PATTAYA: Sweden's Anna Nordqvist retained a one-shot advantage after hitting an even-par 72 in the second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand yesterday.
Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist shot an even-par 72 in the second round. PHOTOS: TAWATCHAI KHEMGUMNERD
The 26-year-old, who dropped two shots in the final three holes, had a two-day total of 138 in the US$1.5 million tournament at Siam Country Club's Old Course.
Nordqvist, who made three birdies and three bogeys in a rollercoaster round, were ahead of Azahara Munoz of Spain (68), Julieta Granada of Paraguay (68), and Germany's Sandra Gal (70).
Stacy Lewis (69) and Michelle Wie (73) were a shot down further on 140s.
Nordqvist, who has won two tournaments including the 2009 LPGA Championship, said it was not too bad although she made two bogeys in the last three holes in wet conditions.
``I feel like I hit it solid but a little disappointed to finish with a bogey on the last,'' she said.
``Overall I've been hitting it great this week. Today I feel like all things were good, just couldn't get any putts to drop. Overall I think it was good. I am still in the lead.''
The Swede said she was excited to take the lead into the weekend _ a position she has been practising to be in.
``Halfway through and there are 36 more holes, but I'm happy with the way I'm playing,'' the world No.27 said.
``Hopefully, I can make a couple more putts over the weekend.''
Gal, who got three birdies and one bogey, said she was satisfied with her round and that her previous appearances in the tournament were helpful.
``I am a little bit longer with my driver now than I was in the past few years. So I feel like I can carry a lot of bunkers that I previously couldn't,'' the German said.
No.44 Gal is bidding for her second LPGA title since the 2011 Kia Classic.
Top-ranked Park In-Bee were four strokes behind the pacesetter after carding a second straight 71.
She was tied for 11th on 142 alongside Lydia Ko (70), Suzann Pettersen (73), Caroline Hedwall (73) and Lexi Thompson (74).
The best among six Thais was Thidapa Suwannapura, who made a 70 for 143. Thidapa, the last entry in the 70-player field, was joint 18th, five shots off the pace. She said the rain made it easier to place the ball on the softer greens.
``Today, I managed to avoid the mistakes I made on the first day when I suffered two double bogeys,'' the 21-year-old said.
``I missed only one fairway today. I gave myself birdie chances and holed a lot of birdie putts.''
In her fourth appearance in the tournament but first as a professional, Thidapa said her experience on the LPGA Tour last year helped her become a better player.
``I have played at tough courses quite often, so I have learned how to play at difficult courses,'' she said.
Ai Miyazato, the 2010 champion, improved to a 70 after an opening 74. The 28-year-old, who was the best among seven Japanese in the event, said the key to her good second round was her gameplan.
But she admitted that she had not yet gained the feeling that helped her won the 2010 title.
``No, I do not have that feeling yet,'' she said, adding that this year's lay-out was more difficult than that in 2010.
Joining her on 23rd place included Thai hopeful Pornanong Phatlum who needed a 20-foot birdie at the final hole to limit damage for a 73.
The 24-year-old Chaiyaphum native said that she had problems reading the greens.
With a slim chance of winning the title, her target is now a top-10 finish. Last year, she was tied for 31st and her best result was joint 14th in 2012.
Moriya Jutanugarn, who struggled with a first round 77, fought back with a 71 for 148, one shot better than her younger sister Ariya.
Ariya, who is in her only second tournament after a seven-month lay-off, soared to a 77 for 149.
``Everything was bad from driver to putter,'' said Ariya, last year's runner-up.
Amateur Supamas Sangchan hit a 75 for 150 while Patcharajutar Kongkraphan made a 77 for 155.
Germany’s Sandra Gal.
Pornanong Phatlum receives a bouquet of flowers from Wichian Usanachot, president of Bangchak Petroleum.
LEADING SECOND ROUND SCORES
138 _ Anna Nordqvist (SWE) 66-72
139 _ Azahara Munoz (SPA) 71-68, Julieta Granada (PAR) 71-68, Sandra Gal (GER) 69-70
140 _ Stacy Lewis (USA) 71-69, Michelle Wie (USA) 67-73
141 _ Karrie Webb (AUS) 71-70, Ryu So-Yeon (KOR) 69-72, Jennifer Johnson (USA) 68-73, Angela Stanford (USA) 68-73
142 _ Brittany Lang (USA) 73-69, Lydia Ko (NZ) 72-70, Jenny Shin (KOR) 72-70, Park In-Bee (KOR) 71-71, Caroline Hedwall (SWE) 69-73, Suzann Pettersen (NOR) 69-73, Lexi Thompson (USA) 68-74
143 _ Thidapa Suwannapura (THA) 73-70, Cristie Kerr (USA) 71-72, Feng Shanshan (CHN) 71-72, Gerina Piller (USA) 70-73, Morgan Pressel (USA) 70-73,
144 _ Mariajo Uribe (COL) 75-69, Ai Miyazato (JPN) 74-70, Pak Se-Ri (KOR) 72-72, Dewi Claire Schreefel (NED) 71-73, Pornanong Phatlum (THA) 71-73
145 _ Tseng Yani (TWN) 72-73