Menendez stays ahead of Thai wonder kid

Menendez holds slim one-stroke lead over 14-year-old rising star - thai amateur Atthaya Thitikul and heading into final round.

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Ana Menendez

July 8, 2017: Ana Menendez of Mexico shot a level par 72 in the second round of the Ladies European Thailand Championship in Pattaya on Friday morning to hold a slim one-stroke clubhouse lead over the impressive 14-year-old Thai amateur Atthaya Thitikul, who fired a 71. India’s Amandeep Drall carded three-over-par 75 in third round to tie at T44 with eight-over par total. And Vani Kapoor had a nine-over-par score at the end of third round tying at T47.

Menendez continued her solid play after an opening 68 at Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club on Thursday, when she led a Ladies European Tour event for the first time.

Despite being in a new position, the 25-year-old second year LET player from Mexico City said: “I am really happy with the way I handled myself on the course. I was a little nervous when I started but then I started to calm down. I’m happy with the way things went. I got into my game and forgot about everything. I am very excited and happy with all the work that I’ve been doing. This is what we practise for, to go into the weekend with a chance, so whatever happens, I am going to enjoy it.”

It was a breezy morning with a light rain shower early in the day, but the conditions failed to faze the teenage Thai National Team member, who has a chance to become the youngest ever winner on the Ladies European Tour, should she continue her impressive form over the weekend.

She said after her round, “I’m very happy with my score. Today my driver and approach shots were not good and my putting was so, so, but tomorrow I will have the same game plan.”

When asked her thoughts on her performance so far, she was clearly thrilled and said: “Unbelievable! There is a little bit of pressure in a professional tournament but I will do my best to enjoy my game, but not think too much. I am having so much fun!”

Fellow Thai player Chonlada Chayanun was tied for the lead with Menendez on four-under-par after nine holes, while LET rookies Frida Gustafsson Spang and Luna Sobron were the next best placed players in the clubhouse on one-under-par.

 

Ladies European Tour Release

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