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Published on October 27, 2007

The incessant drizzle failed to bother in-form Suzann Pettersen, who fired a four-under 68 and extended her lead in the US$1.3-million Honda LPGA Thailand event at the Siam Country Club Old Course yesterday.

With six birdies and an eagle, the Norwegian title favourite, with an 11-under 133 at the halfway stage, has a two-stroke lead over Alena Sharp. The Canadian also had a 68.

"It was another great day on the course, not too windy, comfortable temperature and not steamy. I was just trying to play hole to hole. A lot of good shots and good putts," said the world No 4.

Pettersen, a four-time winner this year, was briefly challenged by Sharp and South Korea's Kyeong Bae at one stage when the trio shared the lead, but an eagle on the 13th restored her lead before she had a barnstorming finish with a birdie on the final hole.

"I don't really watch the leaderboard when I play. I just focus on my game. I just try to shoot as low as I can," she said.

Sharp could have been just a shot behind her rival had she not missed a four-foot birdie attempt on the 18th that hit the lip of the cup and curled out.

"I've never been in the last group before and I handled it very well. I putted well and hope to continue it the next two days,'' said Sharp, who has never finished an event higher than 10th place. Her only other second place during a tournament was in the first round of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic in Toledo in July, where she eventually finished tied for 28th.

"I will be nervous. But being nervous is good, as long as you can handle it. I want to win,'' said Sharp, who has been in second place after both days.

England's Laura Davies, the oldest player in the field at 44, produced a dazzling start and storming finish with eagles on the first and 18th holes to score the day's lowest round of 66 and grab third place with a combined seven-under 137.

Glamorous in pink, her trademark colour, Paula Creamer carded a 66 for six-under 138 to share fourth spot with South Korea's Joo Mi-kim and Angela Park of Brazil.

The "Pink Panther" was obviously the most popular player among the fans, attracting the biggest crowd of about 500 to watch her play yesterday.

"The fans are very nice but there are lot of phones and cameras. But it's good to have them come and support us,'' said Creamer, who plans to dress in blue today.

American-Thai Stacy Prammanasudh was among the chasing pack in tied-seventh position with five-under 139, along with defending champion Han Hee-won of South Korea, Americans Laura Diaz and Reilley Rankin and Australians Rachel Hetherington and Katherine Hull. Stacy hit a five-under 67 yesterday.

"A lot of fans recognise my name, though I have never lived here. I'm happy where I am now and hope for a good weekend. I always want to contend for the title every week," she said.

Former world No 1 Annika Sorenstam bounced back from an even-par round on Thursday to fire four-under yesterday for an aggregate 140 and a tie for 13th place. Virada Nirapathpongporn went without a birdie until a breakthrough on the 15th hole that saw her end with a 71 for a total of one-under 143. That placed her 21st alongside Morgan Pressel, who yesterday hit a 68.

"To be successful on the tour, you have to keep your cool and one day everything will fall into place,'' said Virada, who says a five-under total by the close on Sunday would help her finish among the top 15.

Onnarin Sattayabanphot, with a 71, shared 27th position. "For the first time this year, I'm hitting the ball at my best. If I play at my level, I believe I can finish the weekend at four or five under,'' said Onnarin, who is using the event as preparation for the US Qualifying School next month.

Strutting her stuff alongside teenaged Major champion Pressel, young Ariya Jutanugarn picked up two bogeys for a five-over 149 to end in tied-45th position. The 11-year-old turned out to be a star attraction, being followed by a huge crowd and bombarded by fans seeking photos and autographs.

"I've have never received this much of attention, but it feels good. I'm prepared for a bigger crowd tomorrow and will play more aggressively,'' said the young Thai.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

 The Nation

CHON BURI