Webb strikes as thunder rolls

Australian leads by two after play suspended in Pattaya

Australian Karrie Webb enjoyed a two-stroke lead as the US$1.5-million Honda LPGA Thailand was interrupted by heavy rain at the Siam Golf and Country Club Pattaya Old Course yesterday.

The seven-time Major victor was in stellar form yesterday in her second round before a thunderstorm forced organisers to suspend play. The 37-year-old Queensland-native reeled off four straight birdies from holes 6 to 9, then hit trouble with a bogey on the 12th before rebounding in style with an ace the next hole. She had time for one more birdie, on the 14th, before play was halted for the second time on the day due to lightning.

The 14 players still out on the course when the heavens opened will have to resume their second round this morning at 7.30. The third round is due to tee off at 9.45.

"It was a very solid day. I made five pars to start and then four birdies before making the turn. Probably the only blip was I had a pretty easy up and down for birdie at 10 and didn't make that. Obviously put a great swing on a 6-iron on No 12. I didn't see it go in but the crowd roared when it went in off the green," said Webb, on her fourth visit to Thailand. In a fruitful career that has delivered 38 LPGA trophies, Webb has aced just five times, while this was her first hole-in-one for four years.

"Well, obviously, I'm disappointed not to get finished today but [I'll] probably just [get] an early night tonight with an early morning tomorrow. Then just get out here and try to finish the round as best I can," said Webb who finished tied third here last year.

Two shots behind the Australian were former world No 1 Korean Shin Jiyai, who carded an error-free round of 66 for a total 136, and compatriot Amy Yang who had reached eight under after 14 holes.

Tied for fourth on 137 were Swede Caroline Hedwall and 2007 champion Suzann Pettersen of Norway. Joining them on seven-under was world No 3 Choi Na-yeon of South Korea who managed 14 holes before the rain came.

Pornanong Phatlum lived up to her billing as Thailand's No 1, firing six birdies with a lone bogey for a 67 and a two-day total of six-under-par-138 for joint seventh with world No 1 Tseng Yani, Amanda Blumenhurst of the US and overnight leader Ai Miyazato who completed just 13 holes.

"I hit good approach shots today which made it easier for me to putt. I'm more confident with my putts as I was focused on my putt training on Thursday afternoon. My goal is to be in the top 10 as I have never done that in any LPGA events last year,'' said the Chaiyabhum-born player, who will enjoy the support of her 80-year-old grandmother today.

"Whenever grandma comes to support me, she will always prepares lots of food. It will be fun," said the Thai, who is being caddied by her brother Pornpong.

World No 1 Tseng Yani displayed her quality, bouncing back from a sluggish Thursday to fire 65 for a total six-under-par 138. Playing with her right elbow taped, Tseng, who stumbled to a 73 in round one, sank seven birdies against two bogeys but finished with an eagle.

"[On Thursday] I went back to the hotel really, really sad and very, very disappointed. I was crying. It was really bad. I told myself that I needed to get back soon. I know that I can play well on this golf course and I know I can do this. I kept telling myself [to] just focus on tomorrow,'' said the defending champion, who sank a 7-foot-eagle putt on the 18th hole.

"Today when I got to the golf course I felt great and I told my caddy, Jason, I'm going to shoot 7-under [to get] back into the top the position. And I did,'' said, Tseng who is playing with tendonitis which has bothered her for five years.

Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn fired a second-round 69 for a total two-under-par 142 to share 18th spot. After producing the best score among Thais on Thursday with a three-under-par round, Numa Gulyanamitta was one over after 15 holes and had dropped back to joint 40th.