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Sukapan holds hot hand for Golden Mountain Challenge

Xinhua, May 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

Top Thais have been a fixture on the China LPGA Tour since the circuit first teed off in 2009 and Budsabakorn Sukapan is the latest emerging star to make a splash.

Following in the footsteps of such Thai greats as Pornanong Phatlum and PK Kongkraphan, both of whom who came up through the China LPGA Tour and are now established US LPGA Tour regulars, the 18-year-old Sukapan made a bold statement last week that she is one to watch when she captured her first pro win at the Srixon XXIO Ladies Open.

Speaking prior to the start of Bank of Qingdao Golden Mountain Challenge in Shandong province, the rookie pro said she was relieved to get her maiden win early in her career. After helping Thailand to win the team gold at last year's Asian Games, where she also won the individual silver medal, the teenager said she was aware that many were expecting great things of her now that she had turned professional.

Last week at the Srixon XXIO Ladies Open she did not disappoint as she carded a final-round 67 to finish at 13-under, beating Malaysian Michelle Koh by one stroke for the title in Suzhou.

"I am excited to win my first title last week. It's one of my goals this year. I will try my best to qualify for US LPGA Tour later this year," said Bangkok native Sukapan after her practice round over the Schmidt-Curley layout.

"This is my first trip to Qingdao. I will give my best effort to be in contention. I am in good shape and much more confident now."

After missing the cut earlier this month at the Buick Championship, the 24-year-old Koh said she was happy to rebound in Suzhou for a runner-up finish and was hoping to go one better this week.

Last week during the final round at the Srixon XXIO event, she carded five birdies on the front nine to move into contention. At the 10th hole she made a bogey and could only play par golf back to the clubhouse. Adding to her frustration was a slow-play warning that upset her rhythm and missing a three-foot putt on the last for a birdie that would have forced a playoff.

"I missed the cut at the Buick Championship and I went back to Malaysia to practice. I worked hard on my putting and it improved a lot. Last week, I was happy with my best finish on the China LPGA Tour," Koh said.

"I'm feeling in good form. The wind is going to be a factor this week. So I'll play with a different mindset and try my best to get in the hunt."

Another player coming into Yantai with confidence is China's Shi Yuting. Earlier this month, the 18-year-old won the only spot on offer for the upcoming US Women's Open at the China qualifier. Last week, she finished third at the Srixon XXIO Ladies Open after closing with a 64 to match her career-best round.

"I had a great round on Sunday. I was unlucky for the first two rounds. I made 11 birdies, but I made nearly the same amount of bogeys. I had a bogey-free round on the last day, which is more pleasing," said the Beijing teenager.

After watching Chinese Taipei's Babe Liu beat Chinese amateur Yan Jing in a five-hole playoff to win the title last year, Shi said she would be trying hard for her first pro victory this week.

"I am consistent and have had some good finishes. I will try to play steady, and perform well," she said confidently.

"I believe in my game for this moment. Nothing is impossible." Endi