Jeeno Thitikul celebrated her 23rd birthday in style, turning the Honda LPGA Thailand into her personal birdie-fest. The world No. 1 dazzled with a flawless 9-under 63 at the Old Course at Siam Country Club, claiming solo second place. The atmosphere in steamy Pattaya was electric as fans serenaded her, culminating in a celebratory cake presentation.
"They're going to sing just only birdie putts," Thitikul shared with a smile. "Just only birdie drops and then they all sing it.
Obviously nice to have a lot of birdies today, which is hear a lot of happy birthday. The most time in my life."
Leading the pack, Somi Lee delivered a career-best performance with an 11-under 61, pushing her to 17 under for the tournament. Lee's front nine was a spectacle, shooting 29 and capping it off with an eagle on the par-4 15th.
Her 61 ties the tournament record set by Akie Iwai last year. Lee's precision was evident, hitting 14 fairways and 16 greens, needing only 25 putts.
"I had the best score of my life today so I'm a little emotional," Lee admitted. "But since the competition is not over and there is still two more days left, I just want to celebrate this a little bit."
Chizzy Iwai and Lydia Ko are tied for third at 14 under, four shots back. Inspired by her twin sister Akie's performance last year, Chizzy is aiming high this season.
"I saw so many Akie photo in the golf course, so that inspired me," she said. Her goals are clear: stay healthy and crack the top 10 in the world rankings, where she currently sits at 30th.
Ko's round was equally impressive, featuring six birdies and an eagle on the 15th. The LPGA Hall of Famer is making her first appearance in Thailand since 2023.
For Thitikul, playing on home soil as the world No. 1 is a dream come true. Reflecting on her journey from competing at age 14 to now being a seven-time LPGA champion with over $17 million in career earnings, she remarked, "To be able to play as a world No. 1 in my hometown, which is kind of meaning to not just me, but to be honest, for the teams and then for all the Thai people that can be proud. It's just an example to all the kids that it's nothing impossible."