In-form Tavatanakit leads again in LPGA Thailand event

Madelene Sagstrom and Patty Tavatanakit both shot a five-under-par 67 to move into a three-way tie for first place after the second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand in Chonburi.

Sagstrom and Tavatanakit joined Sei Young Kim, the former Women’s PGA Championship winner who fired a 68, at the top of the leaderboard at 10-under amidst steamy conditions on the Siam Country Club Old Course on Friday.

Sagstrom, hailing from Sweden, had a strong start with birdies on the 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 10th holes. She parred the final eight holes after bouncing back from a bogey on the 3rd hole.

\”I think I got really tired,\” said Sagstrom about her back-nine battle.

\”I’m happy that I kept it together in the end. Obviously would’ve liked another two birdies in the back nine, but I started so solid so I can’t complain.\”

Tavatanakit of Thailand also had a strong round with six birdies against one bogey, continuing her fine form after winning the Saudi Ladies International title on the Ladies European Tour.

\”I feel a little bit more fatigue coming off a strong play last week. It’s only Friday and it’s really hot and my body feels like it needs a lot of rest, so I’m going to go ahead and do that,\” Tavatanakit said.

\”I am sure the golf will just take care of itself.\”

Kim, the 2020 Women’s PGA title winner, had an eagle, four birdies, and two bogeys on Friday.

Albane Valenzuela of Switzerland (65), Jaravee Boonchant of Thailand (67), and Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea (68) are one stroke behind the leaders at nine under.

Defending champion Lilia Vu finished with a 67 to end at four under, six strokes behind the leaders.

Grace Kim is the top Australian, tied for 24th place at five under after a second-round 70, with Steph Kyriacou (70) and Hannah Green (72) both in joint-42nd place at three under.