Sanya: Thailand's Prima Thammaraks hit a two-under-par 70 in the second round of the Sanya Ladies Open golf tournament yesterday to stay in contention for her third win of the year.
Prima was third with a two-day total of 138, two strokes behind leader Celine Boutier of France on 136.
Iceland's Valdis Thora Jonsdottir was in second place on 137.
Prima, who won the Xiamen Orient Masters last month for her second title of the year, said she needed to work on her putting before the final round.
"I had 26 putts yesterday, but today it's 30," said the second-year pro from Bangkok.
"If I had made some more short putts it would have been a really great day."
Defending champion Supamas Sangchan of Thailand shot a 70 to sit five shots off the pace.
Boutier moved to the top of the leaderboard as the rookie shot a 69 for a one-shot lead on Hainan Island.
Through 36 holes, Boutier, the overnight co-leader, was on 136 at Yalong Bay Golf Club.
Thailand's Wichanee Meechai, the first-round co-leader, struggled to a 73 to fall four shots behind.
Boutier, who will play on the LPGA Tour next season after finishing third on the Symetra Tour order of merit this year, was 10-under par with five birdies over the first 13 holes, before she dropped back-to-back shots, starting at the 15th hole.
"I started the first hole with a birdie, it was a good start. I got two bogeys over the last five holes, but overall I am pretty happy with my game today," said the 24-year-old Boutier, who played college golf at Duke University.
"Three-under is a good score. I am grateful to have an opportunity to prepare for a win tomorrow. I will try my best."
