In a stunning display of home-course prowess, Thailand’s top-ranked golfer Jeeno Thitikul electrified the galleries at the Siam Country Club Old Course with a spectacular 9-under 63 during Friday’s second round of the LPGA Thailand tournament. The world number one’s remarkable performance positioned her firmly in second place, though she trails the formidable leader Somi Lee by three strokes after the South Korean sensation carded a blistering 61 that included a spectacular eagle 2 from the fairway on the 15th hole.
The Asian swing of the LPGA Tour commenced with this prestigious event located approximately 125 kilometers east of Bangkok, marking the first of three consecutive tournaments across the continent with subsequent stops in Singapore and China. The competition has intensified dramatically as players seek early momentum in this crucial segment of the professional circuit.
Thitikul’s round featured an extraordinary burst of scoring prowess with four birdies and an eagle across the final six holes of her front nine. The Thai superstar maintained her scintillating form with additional birdies on the 10th and 11th holes, momentarily seizing the tournament lead after initially trailing by two strokes following the opening round. However, her momentum tempered during the latter portion of the back nine with six consecutive pars before concluding with a final birdie on the 18th hole.
Japan’s Chizzy Iwai delivered an impressive bogey-free 62, elevating her into a tie for third position with New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, who carded a 64, leaving both competitors four strokes off the pace. Meanwhile, defending champion Angel Yin struggled with a 75, falling to even par for the tournament, while Canadian standout Brooke Henderson remained at 5-under after posting a 68, now trailing Lee by twelve strokes.