Jeeno Thitikul, the world's top-ranked golfer, delivered an impressive performance to clinch her first LPGA Thailand title, edging out Japan's Chizzy Iwai by a single stroke. Competing on home soil, Thitikul showcased her skill and composure, closing with a four-under-par 68 to finish at 24 under.
This victory marks Thitikul's eighth LPGA Tour title and holds special significance as her first win in Thailand. England's Lottie Woad also put in a solid performance, tying for 15th at 15 under.
Reflecting on her win, the 23-year-old Thitikul expressed deep pride and emotion, saying, "I would rate it A triple-plus. Winning in my home country means so much to me - sometimes even more than a major."
Thitikul joins the ranks of previous Thai champions Ariya Jutanugarn and Patty Tavatanakit, adding her name to the list of local winners. The moment was made even more memorable with her mother present, witnessing her daughter's triumph after eight prior attempts.
"My mom came up to me after I finished 18 and she cried a lot," Thitikul shared. "I told her, 'I finally won in front of you'. She was emotional, and that made me emotional too."
Chizzy Iwai, ranked 19th in the world, put up a strong fight, briefly tying the lead with her second eagle on the par-five 10th. However, she couldn't add any more birdies, finishing with a 66 for a runner-up score of 23-under-par 265.
Korea's Hyo Joo Kim, ranked ninth globally, secured third place with a 68, ending at 22 under. Compatriot Lee Somi, who led after the opening round, finished fourth at 21 under.
Former world No. 1 Lydia Ko carded a 68, tying for fifth with Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen, who delivered the day's best round with a remarkable 63, both concluding the tournament at 20 under.
Defending champion Angel Yin shot a 70, tying for 48th at five-under 283.
This tournament, held 125km east of Bangkok, kicks off a trio of LPGA events in Asia, with upcoming competitions in Singapore and China rounding out the early Asian swing of the tour.