Udorn cashes in on strong start to retain Artitaya Open title on Thai Senior Tour
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
THE NATION
Udorn Duangdecha won the NSDF-Thai Senior Artitaya Open for the second successive year at Artitaya Country Club in Nakhon Nayok province on Tuesday.
The 51-year-old golfer from Chiang Mai pipped Thaworn Wiratchant with a 20-under 196 to grab the winner’s prize money of 120,000 baht.
Thaworn, 55, got 80,000 baht for finishing runner-up with a 19-under 197.
Prayad Marksaeng was third with a 12-under 204 while Rangsan Raksomjit and Thammanoon Sriroj were tied for fourth with a nine-under 207.
It was Udorn’s first tournament win this year and his seventh on the Thai Senior Tour.
Udorn said he was very happy to win because it was always close and exciting. He added that he was lucky to get off to a great start. Even though he slackened later, birdies in the last two holes took him clear of the field.
MotoGP riders ready for fierce fight at OR Thailand Grand Prix
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
THE NATION
The globe’s elite MotoGP riders got into fighting mood for this weekend’s OR Thailand Grand Prix by donning boxing gloves at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok on Tuesday.
Led by MotoGP great Álex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, the two-wheeled warriors were at the world-famous Muay Thai venue for a photo shoot to promote Sunday’s race.
Also squaring up to the camera were Thai Moto2 riders Somkiat Chantra and Keminth Kubo, along with Spanish Moto2 rider Albert Arenas and Izan Guevara from the Moto3 class.
Fabio Quartararo leads the MotoGP standings on 219 points followed by Francesco Bagnaia (201) and Aleix Espargaro (194) as the riders head into the 17th round of the championship.
All eyes in the home crowd will be on Somkiat, who will start the Moto2 race in ninth place in the standings on 120 points, 14 points behind championship leader Augusto Fernandez.
Meanwhile, Keminth is 28th on four points and will be looking to make his mark at his home circuit.
The OR Thailand Grand Prix 2022 will be held from Friday to Sunday (September 30- October 2) at Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
Arpichaya Defies Wet Condition to Lead at SAT-TWT Open in Rayong
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
THE NATION
Three-time runner Arpichaya Yubol launched her campaign in the eighth SAT-TWT Open Road to World Ranking in style following an unblemished opening round 68 at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old from Saraburi, runner-up in the first two SAT-TWT Opens last year and again in the previous circuit at the Kabinburi Sport Club three weeks ago, crafted three birdies at the front nine and one more after the turn.
She carried a stroke lead ahead of the chasing pack which included Trichat Cheenglab, Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong, Nanthikarn Raksachat, Chayanit Wangmahaporn, Cholcheva Wongras, Pannarai Meesom-us, JackieChulya and Kornkanok Sungpankhao.
Despite the dampened condition at the par 72 6,378-yard landscape due to seasonal rains, Arpichaya proceeded through her round without a bogey.
“As the course was soaked, the ball didn’t roll at all, making it tougher to hit the approach shots. I’m quite happy to hit under-par under a condition like this,” said Arpichaya who just celebrated her second victory of the year a fortnight ago in the Thailand Mixed event in Lumphun.
“It all came down to who came up with better lop shots. I’m quite satisfied with the level that I’m playing these days. But I don’t set a goal to win this week. I just want to sharpen my skills before the second stage of the LPGA Q-School (in October),” added Arpichaya who is trying to earn a card on the biggest women’s golf tour on the globe.
“With the results that I have been producing over the past couple of months, I’m quite confident that I will make it. I just have to keep doing what I have been doing lately,” she said.
Among the eight players with three under-par-72 was 17-year-old Pannarai who shot four birdies against a lone bogey on the 15th hole.
“I just played one shot at a time and tried not to think too much. I have been working with a mental coach, so I have been playing with less pressure for quite some time,” said Pannarai who has yet to celebrate a breakthrough win on a local major tour.
“My game plan is to hit the fairways and the greens. I also have enter the second round pressure free and enjoy the golf game,” the teenager said.
Kalasin-based Kornkanok, 16, was another promising player to surge into contention after she fired five birdies against two bogeys.
“I just stuck to my game plan and didn’t bother to look at the scoreboard. My putter really helped me out there as the wet condition made it a bit tough for us this week. To be frank, I was surprised to hit under-par today,” the teenager said.
Three “Big Sisters” to Compete in 8th SAT-TWT Open
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
THE NATION
Thai Women’s Professional Golf Association’s “Big Sisters” Patcharajutar Kongkraphan, Porani Chutichai and Wannasiri Sirisampant are among star players signing up for the eight circuit of the Bt2.5 million SAT-TWT Open Road to World Ranking which starts on Tuesday at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club.
The three Thai WPGA Player Council committees spearhead this week’s stella field of entrants which also include Arpichaya Yubol, who just won the season-ending Thailand Mixed event in Lumphun a fortnight ago, 2018 LET Thailand Championships winner Kanyalak Preedasuttijit and rising stars Ornkank Sroisuwan, Phannarai Meesom-us and Sasikarn Somboonsap.
By winning all five her latest domestic starts, three on the Thai WPGA Tour, Patcharajutar or P.K. is unquestionably the one to watch at the at par 72 6,378-yard Rayong Green Valley where she last played more than two decades ago. “The last time I played on this course, I should be around 8,” said P.K., currently on the top of the Thai WPGA Tour Order of Merit standings. “Although I have won several tournaments in a row, I still have to improve my game,” said the 30-year-old player from Khon Kaen. “Seeing the progress of my game on a daily basis is a success. My plan is to focus on one shot at a time,” added the former world top 80 player.
Former Japan LPGA Tour player Porani admitted that she has been out of practice lately due to her new role as a manager for young players.
“I haven’t competed much lately as I have to take care of many young players and sometimes have to carry the bag for them. But it’s quite fun with this new phrase of my life. To be honest, I’ve come to this tournament just to have fun. I feel quite relaxed that I don’t have to worry about the outcome like before,” said the 36-year-old player.
In regard to her position as the Thai WPGA “Big Sister”, she said: “It’s a very nice thing that the association sets up this council and welcomes opinions from the players. By joining hands and move forward together, we can help elevate Thai women’s golf to a higher level.”
As one of the Player Council committees, Wannasiri said: “The association has done excellent jobs over the past seven circuits although there might be some minor problems. The association has been moving in the right direction. And I firmly believe that they can do even better.”
Twenty-year-old Arpichaya will be making her third attempt on the SAT-TWT Open this season. She finished runner-up three times (two in the first and second circuits last year) including a lone second-place finish (lost to P.K. by five strokes in the final) at Kabinburi Sport Club earlier this month.
“I’m getting more confident with my game. I’ve been able to bring about my high level of play and produce some great results. The hard work starts paying off especially on my short game,” said Arpichaya who finished at fifth at this course when she played a Thailand Mixed event in May.
The eighth SAT-TWT Open, one of the 10 events of the 2021-2022 season, will be competed in a three-day stroke-play format. After 36 holes, top 60 and ties will move ahead to the final round where they will battle it out for the winner’s prize money of Bt367,500.
Mink picks up world mixed doubles snooker title with Aussie Robertson
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
THE NATION
The Thai-Australian snooker pair of Nutcharut “Mink” Wongharuthai and Neil Robertson were crowned World Mixed Doubles champions on Sunday.
The duo beat the British pair of Mark Selby and Rebecca Kenna 4-2 in the final at Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, Britain.
It was sweet revenge for the Thai-Aussie duo who had lost to Selby and Kenna in the round-robin stage before suffering another loss — 3-1 to England’s Ronnie O’Sullivan and Reanne Evans.
However, Nutcharut and Robertson beat England’s Judd Trump and Hong Kong’s Ng On Yee 4-0 to make the final.
Nutcharut and Robertson earned 60,000 pounds (about 2.4 million baht) prize money. This is Nutcharut’s second world title, having earlier won the World Women’s Snooker Championship.
The 2022 event was the first World Mixed Doubles Championship to be staged since 1991. The event featured the world’s top four men and top four women. The teams were selected via a draw on August 6. The pairs were: Neil Robertson and Nutcharut Wongharuthai; Ronnie O’Sullivan and Reanne Evans; Judd Trump and Ng On-yee; Mark Selby and Rebecca Kenna. The tournament followed a round-robin format, four-frame matches, followed by the final between the top-two placed teams. The team members made alternate visits to the table rather than playing alternate shots.
Atthaya holds her nerve in dramatic playoff for second title on LPGA Tour
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
THE NATION
Young Thai golf professional player Atthaya Thitikul on Sunday pipped American Danielle Kang to win the 54-hole Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.
It was the second time this year that the 19-year-old Thai teenage phenomenon had prevailed in a playoff on the LPGA Tour.
Atthaya shot 17-under and then beat Kang on the second extra hole after a final-round shootout that saw birdies, chip-in eagles, a couple of nervy misses, and a total of 15 players within five shots of the lead.
Atthaya, who shot 61 on Saturday and started the final round on Sunday with a one-shot lead, got off to a slow start, bogeying the par-5 second hole.
She made the turn at even par on the day. But she turned things around on the back nine with three birdies, none bigger than the 20-footer she rolled in on the par-3 17th. Atthaya didn’t realise it at the time, but that putt was to tie the lead with Kang.
“I didn’t see a leaderboard until 18,” Atthaya said. “I thought a par would be good enough [for the win].”
A playoff began on the par-3 15th, which sits next to the 18th green. Both players made pars and moved on to the difficult par-4 16th.
Atthaya hit a clutch approach shot to 8 feet from 153 yards. She drained that putt for birdie and the win.
“On the second hole [of the] playoff, I had a chance to make a birdie, because it was not that far. Then, in my mind, I just told myself, ‘Do your best, even if it’s not going in. Just do the best you can,” Atthaya said.
Earlier in the year, Atthaya had won the JTBC Classic presented by Barbasol, also in a playoff. She was also the 2021 Player of the Year on the Ladies European Tour.
With the latest victory, she is projected to jump to No. 4 in the LPGA’s season-long Race to the CME Globe.
Thailand stun Trinidad and Tobago to salvage pride in King’s Cup
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
THE NATION
Thailand won back pride – and 2 million baht – after claiming third place at the 48th King’s Cup with a 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago in Chiang Mai on Sunday.
The War Elephants made up for their loss against arch-rivals Malaysia with an upset win over a Caribbean side who lie 10 places above them in the FIFA world rankings.
Midfielder Channarong Promsrikaew bagged his first goal for Thailand in the 21st minute, slotting home after Trinidad and Tobago keeper Marvin Phillip deflected a shot into his path. But Kareem Moses levelled from a corner in the 61st minute, his header deflecting into the net off defender Kritsada Kaman.
As home fans at the 700th Anniversary Stadium grew anxious at the prospect of a second successive defeat, Supachok Sarachat found himself in space on the edge of the Trinidad and Tobago area. Wrapping his foot around the ball, he sent it curling just inside the post to grab the decisive goal.
He also secured the bonus of 2 million baht that manager Nualphan Lamsam had promised to pay the players if they won. Nualphan wants Thailand to improve their FIFA world ranking of 111th.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan were crowned King’s Cup champions after beating Malaysia 3-0 in a penalty shootout on Sunday night.
Their Majesties congratulate Thai spikers on thrilling victory
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2022
THE NATION
Their Majesties the King and the Queen have congratulated the Thailand team for beating Turkey in their first match of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship on Saturday night.
The King’s Principal Private Secretary ACM Satitpong Sukvimol confirmed that Their Majesties had watched the match and enjoyed the Thai victory.
Thailand fought back to clinch the thrilling match 3-2 (17-25, 31-29, 22-25, 25-19, 15-13) and get their World Championships campaign off to a winning start in the Netherlands.
Satitpong said Their Majesties had instructed him to phone Danai Sriwatcharamethakul, Thailand’s head coach, to relay a message of admiration for the team.
World No 14 Thailand had impressed Their Majesties with the hard-fought victory over a Turkish side ranked sixth in the world, Satitpong added.
Their Majesties also wished the Thai spikers success in the tournament and encouraged them to bring fame to Thailand.
The Thai team next face co-hosts Poland, just three points ahead of them in the world rankings, at 1.30am on Tuesday, Thai time.
Thailand conquer Turkey in thrilling opener at volleyball world championship
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2022
THE NATION
Thailand defied the odds to beat Turkey 3-2 in a thrilling start to their FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship campaign on Saturday night.
Turkey, who are eight places above Thailand in the FIVB world rankings, went into the game as favourites and duly won the first set with a dominating score of 25-17.
However, Chatchu-on Moksri led the fightback as Thailand clawed their way back into the match, held in the Dutch city of Arnhem. The Thais weathered the early assault to win a gruelling second set 31-29, but then paid for their efforts when Turkey pounced in the third to go 2-1 up. But that was as close as the Turks got to victory, with Thailand surging to the winning line and clinching the decider 15-13.
Chatchu-on top-scored with 33 points, piercing Turkey’s defence with three aces on serve, two kill blocks and 28 spikes.
Thailand next take on Poland, who are three points ahead of them in the world rankings. A win for the Thais in Tuesday’s match will see them leapfrog the Poles into 13th place in the world rankings.
Twenty-four nations are competing at the world championships, divided into four groups of six teams. The top four teams from the group stage will qualify for the next round.
Thailand’s 3-2 (17-25, 31-29, 22-25, 25-19 and 15-13) win against Turkey earned them two points in Group B, which also features Dominican Republic, South Korea and Croatia.
Workpoint TV channel 23 will live broadcast Thailand vs Poland from 1.15am on Tuesday, Thai time.
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