Chon Buri: Patty Tavatanakit is in pole position to become the first local star to win the Honda LPGA Thailand, taking a one-shot lead into today's final round.
The ANA Inspiration champion hit a two-under-par 70 in the third round for 198 in the US$1.6 million event at Siam Country Club yesterday.
The 21-year-old is one stroke in front of compatriot Atthaya Thitikul (68) and Germany's Caroline Masson (67) on 199
Mexico's Gaby Lopez and New Zealand's Lydia Ko produced identical rounds of 67 for a share of fourth place on 200, while Australia's Hannah Green surged up the leaderboard to sixth after firing eight birdies in a flawless round of 64.
No Thai has won the tournament since it was launched in 2006.
World No.12 Patty, who had a three-shot advantage after two rounds, admitted she has not been at her best this week after finishing tied for third in Singapore last week.
"I'm not expecting to have a perfect tournament. But I'm really proud of myself and how I managed to hang in there," said Patty, whose Thai name is Paphangkorn.
"I feel like I'm not at 100 percent with my energy levels. But if anything, it just goes to show that you don't have to be perfect to shoot under-par like today."
LPGA Tour rookie Patty started well with a birdie on the par-four second hole but dropped two shots on holes three and nine to reach the turn at one-over.
After making four straight pars starting from the 10th hole, the Bangkok native made her move with three birdies in her last five holes including one on the closing 18 following a brilliant chip from a bunker.
"I feel like my head is a bit clouded today. But I also feel I don't have to be perfect to win the event," said Patty who is seeking her second LPGA Tour title after winning the ANA Inspiration last month.
"It's going to be tough and I've to be mentally prepared for what is to come. Whatever happens, I'm proud of myself because I've posted three good rounds already."
Atthaya, 18, could have joined Patty at the top of the leaderboard but saw her putt for eagle on the final hole lip out.
The teenager, the joint first-round leader with Patty, did not start well with bogeys at the first and third holes but the Ratchaburi native bounced back with six birdies.
"I do not feel nervous going into the final round," said Atthaya, who won twice on the Ladies European Tour when she was still an amateur.
"No matter what happens and who wins, I will be happy. I will try to focus on my game and make good putts."
Germany's Masson was in fine form, hitting a 67 with seven birdies and two bogies.
Australia's Green, who finished second in Singapore last week, fired the day's lowest score of 64 to stay three shots back of Patty, while defending champion Amy Yang of South Korea returned with a 70 for a share of 10th place.
Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn, who came close to winning the tournament in 2013, carded a 69 for 203 while her sister Moriya, runner-up in 2018, hit a 66 for 206. bangkok post/agencies