Ploychompoo leads Thai charge in China LPGA Tour event

Ploychompoo Wirairungrueng emerged as the top Thai during second round play of the Zhangjiagang Shuanshan Challenge on Thursday when the Chiang Rai native put together a run of five birdies over six holes for a 68 and one-stroke lead in Jiangsu province.

On a Thai-dominated leaderboard at the 500,000-yuan China LPGA Tour event, Ploychompoo was sitting at six-under 138. Compatriot Khanphanitnan Muangkhumsakul (67) was equal second with Chinese Taipei's Yeh Hsin-ning (68). Thais Renuka Suksukont (68) and Nattagate Nimitpongkul (69) were two shots back.

Overnight leader Zhang Jienalin (73) was equal sixth in a group with five other players, including amateur Tiffany Chan (69), at four strokes back.

Starting her day on the Shuangshan Golf Course back nine, Ploychompoo posted a strong round that included seven birdies, a bogey and a double-bogey five at the 163-yard 12th hole where her second shot from a bunker flew the green and she ended up three-putting.

"In the first round, I did not play well. So I intended to do my best on every shot today. I didn't expect the result would come out well like this. My putting and approach shot was quite good in my back nine (the front nine), which helped me to shoot five birdies," said the 21-year-old.

Ploychompoo, who turned pro in 2013, has played on the China LPGA Tour for three seasons and is still looking for her first win. She hoped to improve on her best finish, a tie for 13th at the Buick Championship last month, with a strong closing round.

"For tomorrow, I will do my best. I didn't expect this result. The Shuangshan golf course is beautiful and in very good condition. The greens are very firm and I have enjoyed staying here."

To get her first win Ploychompoo will have to fend off impressive teen star Kanphanitnan. After winning three times on the Thai domestic circuit last year and earning her playing card for the Ladies European Tour this season, the 17-year-old started the year off with a bang in winning the Hitachi Ladies Open in Taipei in January - a tournament where she beat US LPGA Tour regular Pornanong Phatlum and Chinese Taipei's Cheng Ssu-chia by three strokes.

In April, Kanphanitnan won the Singha-Thai LPGA Championship and will compete in the second stage of the US LPGA Tour qualifying school in October.

With her father serving as her caddie this week, on Thursday she carded a round that included an eagle three at the 470-yard, par-five 13th hole, four birdies and a lone bogey.

"My putting was hot. For the eagle at hole 13, the second shot was over the green about four yards and I made a long putt to the hole," said the teenager.

"It's not raining today and the wind was similar to yesterday. I feel I am in a zone and getting more confidence with my dad's company as caddie. My aim for this season is top five in the Order of Merit," she said. "I have won 10 time before, so I hope the champion experience will help me tomorrow. We will see." Endit