Heading into the second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 golf tournament in Pattaya, Chien Peiyun from Taiwan is leading with a two-shot advantage. The 33-year-old player showcased an impressive performance in the first round, carding seven birdies and an eagle, with just one bogey, to finish at 8-under par 64, ahead of South Korea’s Kim Sei-young.
Chien, who debuted on the LPGA Tour in 2017 and holds the 113th spot in the world rankings, is still in pursuit of her first victory on the prestigious women’s golf circuit. Expressing her satisfaction with her round, she commented, “I wish I could play like this every day.”
Natthakritta Vongtaveelap of Thailand, who had a solid performance in the 2023 Honda event until being surpassed by Lilia Vu of the United States on the final day, is part of a group tied at 5-under par. This group includes fellow Thai golfer Patty Tavatanakit, who enters the tournament on a high note after clinching the Aramco Saudi Ladies International title last week, propelling her to victory and a prize of 700,000 euros. Prior to this win, Patty’s last victory was at the 2021 ANA Inspiration, a major event on the LPGA calendar, where she also secured the Rookie of the Year Award.
Defending champion and current World No.1, Lilia Vu, faced challenges in the first round at the Siam Country Club Old Course, finishing at one-over par 73. Despite the setback, Vu, 26, remains optimistic with three rounds left to make a comeback, showing potential for an impactful performance in the upcoming days.
Furthermore, a group of three Thai golfers, including tour veteran Pornanong Phatlum, Jaravee Boonchant, and amateur Suvichaya Vinijchaitham, are closely following the leader, tied at 4-under. Former world No.1 Ariya Jutanugarn, the sole Thai golfer to have won the Honda event in its history back in 2021, closed her day at an even par, alongside Pajaree Anannaurukarn, a two-time victor on the LPGA Tour.
The tournament features a competitive field of 72 golfers competing for a total prize purse of $1.7 million. Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand enters the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 tournament with momentum following her recent victory at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International.
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