Blackpool: Ariya Thitikul, currently ranked as the world's number two female golfer, experienced a challenging day at the AIG Women's Open, which saw her drop to a tie for third place. Thitikul shot a 2-over-par 73 in the second round, bringing her total to 5-under-par 137 at Royal Lytham and St Annes, a par 71 course located in England. This places her two strokes behind the current leader, Haeran Yoo from South Korea, who is ranked third in the world.
According to Thai News Agency, the AIG Women's Open is the prestigious fifth and final major tournament of the year for women's golf, celebrating its 50th edition. The tournament, which boasts a total prize fund of US$10 million (approximately 337 million baht), is being held from July 31st to August 3rd. It features 144 golfers representing 30 different countries, including seven Thai players: Atthaya Thitikul, Ariya Jutanugarn, Pajaree Anannarukan, Papangkorn Thakatchanakit, Chanettee Wannasen, Apichaya Yubol, and Anchisa Utama.
On the second day of play, golfers faced cold and windy conditions, with only 27 players finishing under par. First-round leader Atthaya Thitikul had a challenging round, managing only one birdie on the par-3 12th hole while bogeying three other holes. Her performance resulted in a 2-over-par 73 for the day, tying her with American Yelimie Noh for third place. Both players are now trailing Haeran Yoo by two strokes.
Atthaya Thitikul, who set a record with a 7-under-par score in the first round, commented on the conditions: 'The wind today was different, especially on the back four holes, making birdies hard to come by. My iron shots weren't as sharp, requiring more recovery efforts.' Despite the setbacks, Thitikul remains optimistic, focusing on maintaining composure and strategy as the tournament progresses.
Meanwhile, the lead shifted to Haeran Yoo, a South Korean golfer and two-time major champion. Yoo finished her round with a birdie on the final hole, posting a 2-under-par 69 for the day, and leading the tournament with a 7-under-par total of 135. Shio Kuwai from Japan is close on her heels, just one stroke behind Yoo.
Chanettee Wannasen also performed notably, tying for sixth place with a 1-over-par 72, while world number one Nelly Korda from the USA climbed to a tie for 14th with her 3-under-par 68 performance. Anchisa Utama improved to 20th place with her 2-under-par 69 round.
Former champion Ariya Jutanugarn, along with Apichaya Yubol, finished the day tied for 31st place, each with a 2-over-par 144 total. Meanwhile, some players, including Pajaree Anannarukan and last year's champion Miyu Yamashita, failed to make the cut, which was set at 4-over-par 146 after two rounds.