SYLVANIA, Ohio: Thailand’s Thidapa Suwannapura is one shot off the lead heading into the third round of the Marathon Classic as she chases her first LPGA Tour victory.
Thidapa followed up a six-under-par opening round that featured 10 birdies and four bogeys with a 2-under round of 69 at the Highland Meadows Golf Club. That left her at 8 under par, one shot behind co-leaders Brooke Henderson of Canada and Caroline Hedwall of Sweden.
“Today, I didn't play my best,” the 25-year-old from Bangkok said after her round. “I didn't hit it that close to the pin. There were not many birdies today like yesterday. I'm pretty happy that I ended up a couple under par today.”
Thidapa made her debut on the top women’s tour in 2012 but has only ever recorded two top-10 finishes. She has earned $72,546 so far this year and $687,952 for her career.
Henderson, who had five birdies without a bogey in a five-under-par 66, was pleased with her round.
”To finish birdie-birdie was really important, and it's fun to see your name at the top," said the Canadian who is ranked 16th in the world.
Hedwall had five birdies and a bogey in her 67 for nine-under par 133.
Americans Emma Talley and Jacqui Concolino and South Korean Chun In-gee shared fourth plce on 135.
Henderson is seeking her second title of the year and the seventh of her LPGA career.
"I'm excited to be in the final group," said the 20-year-old from Ontario. "I haven't been in one of those in a couple weeks and it's just a really fun feeling ... hopefully (I'll) just give myself a lot of great looks at birdie and hopefully make them."
Hedwall, 29, is seeking a first LPGA title, to go with eight international victories. That includes five Ladies European Tour titles earned from 2011 through 2013.