Pattaya: Nemittra Juntanaket claimed her maiden career title after winning the Singha Pattaya Open in a play-off yesterday.
Overnight leader Nemittra (77) and Junthima Gulyanamitta (70) were tied on four-over-par 214 after 54 holes at the par-70 Burapha Golf and Resort.
The two went back to the first tee for a sudden death play-off and while Junthima two-putted for a bogey, Nemittra made par to claim her breakthrough title and the 32,000 baht winner's cheque.
Starting the round 10 shots ahead of the field, Nemittra struggled with eight bogeys and had just one birdie for a closing 77. Junthima, meanwhile, climbed to the top of the leaderboard with a final 70, from three birdies and three bogeys.
"I'm so happy to have won my first career title after turning pro three years ago," said Nemittra. "This course is very challenging. I was so nervous during the play-off.
"I just want to thank my parents, my sister for always being there for me," she added.
In the three-million-baht men's event, Pawin Ingkhapradit held a slim one-shot lead after a three-under 67 heading into today's final round.
The 26-year-old from Suphanburi shot five birdies on 2, 5, 9, 14 and 15 and his advantage could have been bigger if not for the two successive bogeys on the closing holes.
Amateur star Kammalas Namuangruk moved into second place on 204 after a fine 66. Namchok Tantipokhakul was a further stroke back in third.
Overnight co-leader Chaiphat Koonmark slipped to fourth after a 72, while Sutijet Kooratanapisan, another second round pacesetter, was tied for ninth after a 75.
