That was when the 2018 Order of Merits winner Arpichaya was leading at 11 under par after nine holes, three ahead of Aunchisa Utama. But as the third round was unfinished, results from the previous rounds were taken into consideration and still it was Arpichaya who was on the lead.

The 20-year-old from Saraburi had completed 36 holes earlier in the morning on seven-under-par 137, beating Onkanok Soisuwan by just one stroke.

“For some reason, every time I play here, there’s always been rains and storms. But I think I handle the situations well despite some interruptions,” said Arpichaya who has won nine times on the tour. The last time was in Nakhon Nayok back in October, 2021.

“I was playing steadily in the first two rounds. I was a bit lucky that two round results were used to decide the winner. But even if I had to go back to the greens and finish the back nine, I believe I would still have done well. No matter what, I’m still happy for this win,” said Arpichaya who received Bt350,000 prize money for her victory.

Her confidence will soar after the Friday’s victory before she switches her attention to the LPGA Tour, starting with a tournament in Hawaii next month.

“I have to say that this will be my last event on a local event as from now on I’m going to play mainly on the LPGA. There might be some bumpy roads and mixed results, but I’m up for the challenge,” she said.

Onkanok, meanwhile, equaled her best attempt on the tour after finishing in this position at the Water Mills four years ago. She received Bt225,000 as the runner-up.

Pakin Kawinpakorn settled at lone third on five under-par-139 and would go home with a cheque of Bt162,500.

The next and fifth Thai LPGA Tour circuit, the Bt1.2 million Singha-BGC Muan Suen Presented by EGAT, will stop at Ubonrattana Dam Golf Course from April 26-28 in Khon Kaen.

The Thailand Ladies Professional Golf Association provides an opportunity for both professional and amateur golfers not only to hone their talents, but also to accumulate points for the Thai LPGA rankings and Order pf Merits, and for the Rolex World Ranking points, which can open doors for their professional pursuit on a worldwide scale. The Thai LPGA Tour is supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, National Sports Development Funds, BG Container Glass, Pathumthani Glass Industry, Boon Rawd Trading, Central Group, Leonian (Thailand), Muang Thai Life Assurance, Nikon Sales Thailand, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, AIS PLAY, Nestle (Thai) and Laem Chabang Country Club.

Thai LPGA tournament is competed in a three-day stroke play format for a total of 54 holes. The tour features ranking points for the 2023 Thai LPGA Tour Order of Merits, 2023 Thai LPGA Tour points and the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.