Akie Iwai, a rookie on the LPGA Tour, continued her impressive performance by securing a two-stroke lead at the Honda LPGA Thailand. The 22-year-old Japanese golfer showcased her skill with a flawless round on Friday, carding a 5-under 67 to reach an impressive 15-under total at the Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya, Chonburi.
Angel Yin made a strong surge into second place, sitting at 13-under after a standout round where she matched the day’s lowest score with a remarkable 64. She recorded nine birdies and only one bogey, displaying exceptional accuracy by missing just one fairway over 36 holes.
Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul and Moriya Jutanugarn are currently tied for third place at 12-under, while Esther Henseleit of Germany occupies the fifth spot at 9-under 135 following a solid round of 67.
Iwai’s total score of 129 is only one stroke away from the tournament’s 36-hole scoring record. With an impressive track record of six victories on the Japanese tour, she stands out as one of the only two players in the competition who have managed to avoid any bogeys, the other being Sweden’s Linn Grant who is tied for eighth place at 7-under.
Reflecting on her strong start, Iwai attributed her success to solid shots and putting skills that resulted in numerous birdies. When asked about her mindset heading into the weekend with a chance to lead, she emphasized her focus on sticking to her game plan and maintaining concentration until the completion of each hole.
Yin, who shares the tournament lead with Iwai in total birdies at 15 through 36 holes, expressed satisfaction with her improved putting performance during the round, leading to a surge in successful putts and a positive impact on her overall score. She also acknowledged the course’s accessibility for scoring while acknowledging its challenging aspects.
Thitikul impressed with an early burst of five birdies in the first six holes, while Jutanugarn showcased her skills by achieving four consecutive birdies from Nos. 12-15, capitalizing on favorable opportunities and a smooth putting stroke.
The course conditions and strategic pin placements on Friday posed a tougher challenge for the players, resulting in only three eagles being recorded compared to the 14 from the previous day. Defending champion Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand made a late push, closing the day tied for 15th place at 5-under after a strong finish with three consecutive birdies.
