Wichayapat Sinsrang remained on track in his bid for a maiden professional title as he held on to the lead after day three of the five-million-baht Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf at the Aquella Golf and Country Club on Thursday.
In his quest for a breakthrough win since turning pro earlier this year, the 24-year-old was engaged in a see-saw battle with star players Sadom Kaewkanjana, Prom Meesawat and teen prodigy Ratchanon Chantananuwat.
But a brilliant eagle chip on the 15th hole finally propelled him to take the outright lead. He signed off with a 67, including four birdies and a bogey on the ninth, and a three-day total of 22-under 194, a shot ahead of Sadom, the No.1 player on the All Thailand Golf Tour.
Wichayapat, nicknamed "Tiger" after American golf superstar Tiger Woods by his father, admitted he was under pressure after superb displays in the first two rounds where he shot 64 and 63 respectively.
"[Between holes 7-13] I couldn't score at all as I was a bit under pressure. But I was so lucky to make that eagle and took a solo lead," said the Nakhon Ratchasima native.
Sadom, who has four wins and three runner-up positions in 2021, once again set himself as a title contender. His bogey-free round of 66 saw him trail the leader by a single shot on 195.
LPGA member Pavarisa Yoktuan caused a stir yesterday as she set a new course record with an astonishing 61, which also marks her personal best. The 27-year-old was third with a total of 196.
She is hoping to become the second woman to win the Thailand Mixed after Arpichaya Yubol in March.
Three shots off the lead was 14-year-old amateur Ratchanon, who despite an opening eagle had to be content with a 69, including four birdies and three bogeys, and a 197 total.
Prom, with a 69, and two female players Chanoknan Angurasaranee (66) and amateur Natthakritta Vongtaveelap (63), were a shot behind at 198.