Winds play havoc on last day in Pattaya
Pattaya: American Lilia Vu nabbed the Honda LPGA Thailand prize from Thai novice Natthakritta Vongtaveelap, scoring a one-shot success after a helter-skelter last round the other day.
The Californian had actually reasonably just remained in contention for a top-five surface as gamers teed off in gusty headwinds at the par-72 Siam Nation Club in Pattaya however carded an eight-under-par last round of 64 to win.
Natthakritta, 20, had actually likewise struck a 64 in Saturday’s 3rd round to keep the competition lead however the title slipped from her grasp with a one-under closing round of 71.
Vu’s fortunes altered at the 8th hole, where she struck the very first of 5 successive birdies.
That established the 25-year-old for a winning 22-under-par overall of 266, her very first Rolex LPGA trip success that included cash prize of US$ 255,000.
” The other day I was believing– my daddy was informing me one excellent round tomorrow and I might win. That’s all I kept thinking of,” she stated.
Vu practically stumbled at the challenging 17th hole prior to righting herself to conserve par and keep her narrow lead.
” Today I generally simply blacked out and attempted to birdie every hole,” she stated. “I constantly wish to win when I’m out here,” she stated. “I simply wished to enable it to occur and it lastly did.”
It was a bitter end to an excellent efficiency for Natthakritta, who came out of relative obscurity after getting a competition invite from a sponsor.
She had actually gotten a shock lead by the middle of the competition with succeeding rounds of 65 and 64 in front of passionate regional advocates.
Natthakritta began 6 shots clear of Vu, and 2 ahead of her closest competitor, compatriot Atthaya Thitikul, however extreme nerves betrayed her on a scorecard that consisted of 4 bogeys and a double bogey.
There was a twinkle of wish for Natthakritta with a steadying par at the 13th, followed by a captivating birdie at the par-three 14th.
Natthakritta Vongtaveelap tees off on the 10th hole. MANAN VATSYAYANA
Nevertheless, it was far too late to stop Vu’s stable development through the back 9 after her earlier birdie blitz.
” The last day was really windy, making it tough to play and leading to me not having the ability to score extremely well. I require to practice playing in windy environments more,” she stated.
” Today was really interesting since there were a great deal of fans cheering us on and it was fantastic enjoyable to play in front of them. In general, I am pleased with my effort and will use this experience to my profession. When it comes to the remainder of the year, I intend to do my finest in order to rank well on the LPGA Trip.”
Atthaya, a previous world No. 1 and runner-up in the 2021 competition, completed third after a final-round 68.
” I had a truly excellent week today in my home town. I didn’t get to where I desired however the procedure has actually remained in the ideal instructions. It is constantly fantastic to be out here completing in front of our fans and I likewise believe I had a truly excellent day today also however simply a bit off eventuallies however it’s all excellent overall,” she stated.
Top-ranked Lydia Ko played strong however the New Zealander was reversed by a double-bogey and bogey surface on the last 2 holes to card a 69 for a share of 6th.
Preliminary co-leader Jaravee Boochant completed connected 17th on 13-under 275 after a closing five-under-par 67.
Pornanong Phatlum, who shot a final-round 73, was at joint 27th on 10-under 278, 2 strokes ahead of Moriya Jutangarn (70 ).
Chanettee Wannasaen (68) and previous winner Ariya Jutanugarn (72) remained in a group of 7 connected at 51st on four-under 284. afp/bangkok post
Atthaya Thitikul follows her very first shot on the 10th hole. MANAN VATSYAYANA
