The 15-year-old Atthaya produced a solid back-nine performance with four birdies in the last six holes to sign off with a 67 and a three-day total of 13 under-par-203, three ahead of Japanese Yuna Nishimura, who finished on 10 under-par-206.

However, it was a painful loss for the Kingdom’s team after a draw with 19-time champion South Korea at 417 each over the three days.

The result was decided by the final scores of the teams’ third players … and Natthakritta Vongtaveelap (73) was edged out by Hee Jeong Lim (72), propelling South Korea, also including Yunji Jeong and A-Yean Cho, to their 20th title as Thailand’s hopes were shattered.

Japanese, South Korean and Thai teams.

“I’m happy to win myself but I’m sad we didn’t win as a team,” said Atthaya, ,” who became the second Thai after Supamas Sangchan in 2013 to win her individual title.

“We came so close but I’m proud of my teammates as we gave everything out there.”

She also had to console a distressed Natthakritta after her defeat, as another team member, Tunradda Piddon, also rushed to support her.

Atthaya has won three titles this year, the first coming at February’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in Singapore and the second at the Patsy Hankins’s team trophy in Qatar in March.

She has two more events, the Junior Open in Scotland in July and Ricoh’s Women British Open in August, before representing Thailand at the Asian Games in Jakarta from August 18 to September 2.

“My goal is to win a gold medal at the Asian Games. I want to help defend the title as we won the team event four years ago,” she said.

The 21-year-old Thai carded a flawless round with seven birdies and one eagle to lead the field by seven strokes on a 17-under-par 123 total at the ฿2 million (approx. US$64,000) event co-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT) and the All Thailand Golf Tour.

Compatriot Nitithorn Thippong proved relentless in his pursuit of a second ADT win when he returned with a solid round of 66 to take second-place on his own, while Sweden’s Oscar Zetterwall took third place following a 67 at Laguna Phuket.

Starting on the back nine, Varanyu eagled hole 14 after a good drive and solid approach with his five-iron left him with a three-footer tap-in. He made the turn at three-under after a birdie on 18 and would follow with six birdies for an inward 29.

“I was hitting everything solid and I played the three par fives on this course very well and managed to hit the green in two shots on all of them. I enjoy playing this course and being on home ground. Especially since my mother is out here to watch me this week so I want to do well,” said Varanyu.

His low round which topped his opening 62, marked his lowest tournament round he achieved since he turned professional in 2015 and he credits his brother, nicknamed “Benz”, who is on his bag this week.

“I wasn’t nervous at all and I just stuck to my game plan of making fairways and greens. Benz and I were reading the lines well on the greens and I trusted him,” said Varanyu who is vying for a maiden win.

ADT winner Nitithorn mixed his card with six birdies and one double-bogey on the second hole when he pushed his eight-iron into the hazard.

“I was playing steady golf all day except for one missed shot. The pin was tucked in the right side and there was a hazard to the right of the green. I told myself to keep it short and hit it left but I pushed it right instead. But I made 16 greens today which was key for me and there were a lot of positives from the round,” said the 21-year-old.

Playing in the same group tomorrow, the Thai hotshot is ready to put up a good fight against his close friend Varanyu, who played junior golf with him before he joined the play-for-pay ranks.

“I am happy to be playing with him tomorrow since I haven’t seen him in awhile. He is playing so well and I want to try and catch up with him tomorrow on moving day,” added Nitithorn.

The halfway cut was set at one-over-par 141 with a total of 57 players qualifying for the final two rounds.

The Singha Laguna Phuket Open is the eighth leg of the 2018 ADT schedule and the tour’s first stop in Thailand this year. Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points are offered on all ADT events with the winner earning a total of six OWGR points while the top-six players and ties earn points on a sliding scale.

The leading five players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2019 season.

Leading Round Two scores:

123 – Varanyu RATTANAPHIBOONKIJ (THA) 62 61

130 – Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA) 64 66131 – Oscar ZETTERWALL (SWE) 64 67133 – Samarth DWIVEDI (IND) 65 68, Mathiam KEYSER (RSA) 66 67

135 – Worrasorn SUWANPANANG (THA) 68 67, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 68 67, Simon YATES (SCO) 67 68, Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA) 70 65, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 66 69

The big-hitting Thai hit two birdies and an eagle during his opening seven holes at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass before finding trouble on the tricky greens which left him frustrated and five shots off the lead.

“I got off to a good start, four under through seven holes and then I missed a lot of putts. Missed a par putt on 18 and then a birdie putt on the first and then par putts on the third and fourth holes which were inside of seven feet,” said Kiradech.

“It took my confidence off a bit on the back nine which I was two over on the par five holes. Opening with a one-under isn’t that bad but I feel like I left a lot of shots out there.”

Playing in his second PLAYERS Championship, which is the PGA TOUR’s flagship tournament, Kiradech rolled in an 11-footer on his second hole of the day on the 11^thbefore making an eagle at the driveable par-4, 12^th hole from seven feet following a glorious tee shot.

Another 11-foot conversion for birdie on 16 saw him lead momentarily before he boarded the bogey train, dropping four shots against another birdie. Still, his opening round’s effort was a four-stroke improvement from his previous first round in 2016 which he missed the halfway cut.

Following two top-five finishes in the World Golf Championships this year, Kiradech needs six FedExCup points to earn Special Temporary Membership on the PGA TOUR which will allow him unlimited sponsor invitations for the remainder of the season. He then needs to finish within the top-125 of the FedExCup standing to earn his card for 2018-19.

“I’m just trying to play my own game, trying to keep the ball in play. This course, the greens are really difficult as it’s small and firm. If you hit more greens, you have more opportunities,” said the former Asian Tour No. 1.

“It’s nice to finish early (for the first round). My body needs some time to rest as I’ve been travelling around. I’m a bit tired. From Tuesday till now, I don’t feel like I’ve got my A-game out there. That’s why I’m saying I left a few shots out there, like three or four strokes. I should be much better than this.”

Mason infuriated Chelsea’s players when, with the score 0-0, he awarded them a corner but then blew for half-time before it was taken.

Cesar Azpilicueta, Cesc Fabregas and Antonio Rudiger led the protests, with Rudiger dragged away by assistant coach Carlo Cudicini, who also kept Blues boss Antonio Conte from walking towards Mason to confront him.

“Chelsea have been charged with failing to ensure their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion,” an FA statement announced on Thursday.

“The incident occurred at half-time of yesterday’s game against Huddersfield Town. Chelsea have until 6pm on Tuesday (15 May 2018) to respond to the charge.”

Conte’s side were frustrated by Huddersfield’s time-wasting tactics throughout a match that left their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League hanging by a thread.

Fifth-placed Chelsea, who travel to Newcastle for their last game of the Premier League season on Sunday, are two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool and will be condemned to the Europa League if the Reds avoid defeat against Brighton this weekend.

In a game of precious few clear-cut chances, Luke Shaw hit the post and Paul Pogba headed wide with United’s best opening.

A third blank in their last five league games for United means local rivals Manchester City can seal another Premier League record by winning the league by at least 19 points if they win at Southampton on the last day of the season on Sunday.

“We are the second best team in the Premier League, a fantastic competition with lots of good teams,” said Mourinho.

“We came second. I am not totally happy (because) that is not my nature, but since the moment we felt it was impossible to finish first, we had the target to finish second and it is done today.”

In United’s first game since legendary former manager Alex Ferguson had to have emergency surgery on a brain haemorrhage, the visiting fans showed their support to the 76-year-old Scot with persist chants of “we all love Alex Ferguson”.

There was a more subdued atmosphere from the home fans at the end of another deeply frustrating campaign for the Hammers.

Two years ago to the day, West Ham waved goodbye to Upton Park in a thrilling 3-2 win over United on a night of high emotion in East London.

That victory also helped secure European football, but the move to the London Stadium, sold to supporters as West Ham’s chance to compete with the Premier League elite, has so far proved a false dawn.

Survival was only mathematically secured last weekend and West Ham remain in lowly 15th place.

“It’s a big achievement for us,” insisted West Ham manager David Moyes of keeping his side in the top flight.

“We had to get the players in order a little bit after we came in, and we have done that. This is a big club and there are big expectations from the supporters so they will need to improve.”

Mourinho reacted to Friday’s meek 1-0 defeat at Brighton by making eight changes with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial relegated to the bench despite the continued absence of the injured Romelu Lukaku.

However, that failed to provoke an immediate response as West Ham posed the early threat.

Marko Arnautovic’s goals have kept Moyes’s men up and the Austrian muscled his way into a good shooting position on six minutes but placed his shot too close to David de Gea.

Adrian has been restored in the West Ham goal for the past three games in place of England international Joe Hart, and showed why with a hat-trick of fine saves.

Jesse Lingard was first to be denied with a fiercely struck long-range effort before Adrian showed quick reflexes to save from Alexis Sanchez and then get back on his feet to turn Shaw’s effort onto the post.

A lacklustre United display was reflected in Pogba again failing to take control of the game.

The £89 million midfielder did have the visitors’ best chance when he headed wide just after the hour mark from Antonio Valencia’s pin-point cross.

The Frenchman came a lot closer moments later with a strike that curled just past the post from a narrow angle.

Pogba’s frustration then spilled over when he was lucky to escape with just a yellow card after grappling with West Ham captain Mark Noble as tempers flared in the latter stages.

But while the world number one cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Diego Schwartzman, Juan Martin del Potro, Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep all crashed out.

Nadal’s straight-sets victory means he establishes a new Open era best for consecutive sets won on a single surface, passing McEnroe’s 49 on carpet in 1984.

McEnroe also won the Madrid Open Indoor title that year and Nadal may be about to follow suit in the Spanish capital, with Austrian Dominic Thiem up next in the quarter-finals on Friday.

His unbeaten run is also perhaps a reflection of a lack of rivals, with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, for different reasons, all posing little threat on clay over the past year.

“When my career is over, these are things that are going to be there forever,” Nadal said.

“They are big records. It’s difficult to be able to win 50 sets in a row. But I’ve done it. It’s over.

“Let’s not talk about that any more and let’s focus on what we have ahead.”

Del Potro, however, will not join him in the last eight. The Argentinian led 4-0 in a third-set tie-break but still lost 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) to Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic.

Lajovic will now face South Africa’s Kevin Anderson, who overcame Philipp Kohlschreiber.

“I think I can improve a lot of things towards Rome and Roland Garros,” Del Potro said. “I can level up my game. Right now I’m quite calm.”

– Pliskova triumphant –

Maria Sharapova 

Sharapova also lost in three sets to Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands while Halep, the champion in 2016 and 2017, was blown away by Karolina Pliskova.

It means Pliskova, the sixth seed, is the highest-ranked player left in the women’s draw after Caroline Wozniacki, Garbine Muguruza, Elina Svitolina and Jelena Ostapenko all lost earlier in the week.

Pliskova’s 6-4, 6-3 win sets up a semi-final showdown with two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who saw off Russia’s Daria Kasatkina.

“Even in the warm-up I felt so good today,” Pliskova said.

“I think I played one of my best matches this year for sure, and for sure on clay in my life.”

Halep said: “Today she didn’t miss. I didn’t play badly in my opinion.

“I missed in some important moments, that’s why it went her way but I’m not very disappointed about this match. She deserved to win.”

Sharapova is set to climb inside the top 40 next week and the 31-year-old will be encouraged by her week’s work, where she showed signs she is finding her rhythm.

The Russian arrived on the back of four consecutive defeats but three victories and a narrow 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 loss to Bertens suggests she could be a threat at the French Open later this month.

“It was great to get those wins against those players,” said Sharapova, the 2014 champion in Madrid.

“But there’s a reason I came up short today. You also want to evaluate that and go back to the drawing board and start over again.”

Kiki Bertens

Bertens, meanwhile, will now face France’s Caroline Garcia, who eased past Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 6-3.

Novak Djokovic’s conqueror, Kyle Edmund, maintained his strong run with a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 win over eighth seed David Goffin.

Edmund will face Denis Shapovalov, who came through his all-Canadian clash with Milos Raonic, 6-4, 6-4.

Second seed Alexander Zverev beat Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer and will now take on John Isner, who beat Pablo Cuevas.

The 15-year-old Thai, who became the youngest Ladies European Tour winner at only 14 when she won in Pattaya last July, produced a flawless round of 65 for a total eight-under-par 136 at the par-72 course stretching 6,343 yards. Atthaya lies one stroke behind Philippine Ladies Open winner Saso, who tops the individual leader board of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Ladies Golf Team event after carding a 66 for a total nine-under-par 135.

Yuka Saso 

“I was feeling really good on my approach shots although I wish I could have done better with my tee shots. I hit the fairways on seven holes and 15 greens on regular,” said Atthaya, winner of February’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in Singapore.

“Being only one behind, I still stand a chance at winning the individual event. I need to hit strong approach shots and make some good putts to win,” added the country’s rising star, who is tied in second along with Japan’s Yuna Nishimura (69).

In the team event, the Philippines lead with a combined 277, followed by Japan with 278 while Thailand’s trio of Atthaya, Tunrada Piddon (145) and Natthakritta Vongtaveelap (148) are tied for third with South Korea on 279.

Thailand’s team

A total of 14 nations – Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea and Thailand – are vying for the team trophy.

Thailand has never won the team title, though the Kingdom’s Suppamas Sangchan was individual winner in 2013.

With a title sponsor on board it enabled the entry fees to be lowers significantly from last year, this helped us double participation on last year event with over 150 teams taking part in 2018.

The 2018 event culminated with 19 teams battling it out at the Thailand National final at Laguna Golf Club Phuket. The winners would have the honour of representing Thailand at the world final in Cascais Portugal.

It was a scorching hot morning in Phuket, with the course in brilliant condition, set up in tournament conditions with some very tasty Pin Positions.

Team Prime Real Estate (Paul Judge and Pim Surintarangoul) came out victorious with an amazing score of 44 better ball points, birdieing the last hole and winning on countback, booking their ticket to Portugal for the WCGC World Final.

Sponsor recognitions

Fore Management to say a special thank you to our Title, sponsor Blue Horizon Developments.  Fore would also like to thank Thai Airways International, who will be flying the winning team to the world final. Other recognitions go to Federbrau, Fenix Xcell Angkor Golf Resort, Leadbetter Golf Academy Bangkok, and Phuket News and Live89.5 for their support throughout the event. Events of this stature cannot happen without such a high level of sponsorship.

We look forward to welcoming all participants back later in the year for their quest to reach the World Corporate Golf Challenge, World Final 2019.

About Blue Horizon

Blue Horizon was established fifteen years ago and has a strong reputation in providing high end quality developments. At Blue Horizon we pride ourselves in transforming our customers vision into a tangible structure that generates new investments and exponential returns to the communities served. In the last few years we have introduced our larger developments, which include both condominium and villa developments. These developments include ;Skylight villas , The Beachfront Condominiums, Signature Villas, Himalai Oceanfront Condominiums and Grand Himalai Oceanfront Condominiums. To find out more about Blue Horizon Developments visit:  http://www.bluehorizon-thailand.com/

The second tier Championship side are seeking to build a fan base in the Southeast Asian nation and went into the match against the Myanmar National League “All Stars” team in Yangon as clear favourites.

The side failed to perform, however, despite a first-half    equaliser by captain Samuel Saiz.

All Stars’ Nigerian striker Christopher  Chizoba clinched the match with a 63rd-minute penalty against an under-par Leeds team still reeling from a disappointing mid-table finish back home.

But the interest in this tour has not just been about what happens on the pitch.

Amnesty International and British MPs from the club’s home city criticised the decision to tour Myanmar because of its questionable human rights record.

Myanmar’s military has forced some 700,000 of its Rohingya Muslim population over the border into Bangladesh since August last year in violence the UN has branded “ethnic cleansing”.

Italian tycoon and club owner Andrea Radrizzani defended the visit, however, at his arrival to the stadium.

“We do sport. We do football. We’re not politicians,” he said.

“How many other areas are there in the world – also in China, in other parts of the world – where there are abuses,” he added.

Myanmar football fans gave Leeds a warm welcome.

“By deciding to come here, it shows they’re sticking to their guns and not giving into criticism and that’s why I’m proud of them,” said 35-year-old Sabel, sporting a red Myanmar shirt.//AFP

Nadal’s defence of his title began in comfortable fashion as he coasted to a 6-3, 6-1 win over France’s Gael Monfils.

But Djokovic endured another set-back, losing to world number 22 Edmund 6-3, 2-6, 6-3.

Edmund had not taken a set off Djokovic in three previous meetings but the Serb is still feeling the effects of elbow surgery and his opponent took full advantage.

It means Djokovic is left reviewing another early exit ahead of the French Open later this month. The 30-year-old has not gone past the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam since 2016.

“I believe a lot in dynamics, in momentum,” Nadal said.

“Small things happen that normally when you’re in a good momentum, those things don’t happen. When you don’t have that momentum, you’re in a negative way, these things happen.

“I think Novak, step-by-step, is going to be able to recover and be at the level he deserves. I don’t have any doubt he’s going to be back up at the highest level.”

Djokovic stormed through the second set on the Manolo Santana court and, at his best, might never have looked back, but he spurned three break points early in the decider and Edmund pounced.

This was only the third time Edmund had beaten a player ranked as high as world number 12 and in terms of status, Djokovic is by far his biggest scalp yet.

“Kyle was just better in the decisive moments and I was a bit unlucky,” Djokovic said afterwards. “Definitely Kyle is playing the best tennis of his life.”

Edmund’s barnstorming forehand wreaked havoc throughout and it was no surprise when the winners tally showed the Briton 30-11 ahead by the time Djokovic sent a final backhand long.

Belgium’s David Goffin, whom Edmund lost to on clay during Britain’s run to Davis Cup glory in 2015, now awaits in the last 16.

“It’s not the end of the world,” Djokovic said. “Obviously, I’ve played this sport for so many years and had a bunch of success. I try to always remind myself and be grateful for that.

“At the same time, nobody is forcing me to play this sport. I do it because I like it. That’s where I draw my strength.”

Nadal has enjoyed his own resurgence over the past 12 months, having reclaimed the world number one spot and clinched two more major titles.

His latest win over Monfils was never in doubt and the Spaniard has now won 20 matches and 48 sets in a row on clay.

A clear favourite to claim his 11th title at Roland Garros, Nadal will now face Diego Schwartzman of Argentina in the last 16.

“I have done a lot of things well since I came back,” Nadal said.

“I play with the right intensity, the right focus all the time. My backhand is working great. The forehand is working well too, as always.

“What I am most pleased with is I am recovered from injury and that makes me feel strong and confident I can survive tough matches.”

In the women’s tournament, Maria Sharapova reached the quarter-finals with an impressive 6-3, 6-4 demolition of France’s Kristina Mladenovic.

Former world number one and five-time major winner Sharapova fired 30 winners and nine aces in her victory which gave her a last-eight clash with Kiki Bertens.

Dutchwoman Bertens stunned world number two Caroline Wozniacki 6-2 6-2.

World number one and top seed Simona Halep had earlier maintained her charge towards a third consecutive Madrid title as she eased past Kristyna Pliskova 6-1, 6-4.

Halep will now play Pliskova’s twin sister Karolina for a place in the last four.