PATTAYA: World No.3 Stacy Lewis fired an eight-under-par 64 in the second round yesterday to take a three-shot lead at the US$1.5 million Honda LPGA Thailand.
Stacy Lewis makes a putt at Siam Country Club.
One of the three overnight leaders, the 30-year-old American made eight birdies in a bogey-free round for 130 at Siam Country Club Old Course. South Korea’s Amy Yang, runner-up at last week’s Women’s Australian Open, was second on 133 after a 66.
Thai teenager Ariya Jutanugarn hit a 69 to share third place on 136 with Germany’s Caroline Masson (66) and South Koreans Jenny Shin (66) and Lee Mi-Rim (69).
Former world No.1 Lewis said that it was quite an easy day.
“I am just happy with the day. I am happy with my ball striking,” said Lewis who hit four successive birdies from the fourth hole and four more on the back nine. “I got off to a slow start. But about midway through the front nine, it was kind of caught fire with putter and I started hitting some shots close.”
In a bid to win her 12th LPGA titles, Lewis said that for the next two rounds, she would try to do the same thing.
“Just keep focusing on the next shot. That is what I need to do for the next two days,” said the two-time major champion.
Meanwhile, Yang, 25, said her good form in the last few tournaments was a result of her hard work with coach Tony Ziegler in the winter.
“I started working with the new coach in the winter,” said the golfer, who is looking for her second title after the LPGA KEB-HanaBank Championship in 2013. “The biggest thing is that I want to play more serious golf.”
Ariya, whose best finish here was second in 2013, blamed her putter for the poor round.
“My driver and irons were so great today. Unfortunately, I struggled a lot with my putter,” said the 19-year-old rookie, who had two top-three finishes in the last two tournaments. “I should have holed my putts in at least five holes. Hopefully, I can improve at the weekend."
Thai Amateur Budsabakorn Sukapan scored a 72 for 139. “My iron play was quite poor today,” said Budsabakorn, who won team gold and individual silver at last year’s Asian Games.
She was tied for 12th with with six players including Lexi Thompson (71) and Michelle Wie (66).
Thidapa Suwannaupura, who was the best Thai at last year’s tournament, made two consecutive 71s for 142 to share 26th place with defending champion Anna Nordqvist (70) and amateur Paphangkorn Tavatanakit (70).
Pornanong Phatlum fired a 71 for 145 while Sherman Santhiwiwatthanaphong was on 152 after a 76.
Ariya Jutanugarn.
Budsabakorn Sukapan.