Phatlum completes an Indian Open hat-trick

Published on 03/12/2012 02:05

Thailand’s Pornanong Phat-lum produced another impressive round to complete her third victory at the Hero Women’s 
Indian Open in Gurgaon.

After opening with a 72 on Friday and then shooting 66 on Saturday, the 22-year-old signed for a 66 after yesterday’s final round to finish 13-under-par, four strokes clear of the chasing pack.

Phatlum, who turns 23 tomorrow, expressed her delight at 
becoming the first woman to win this tournament three times, having also triumphed in 2008 and 2009.

“I’m so happy now. I won and in two days it will be my birthday so it’s going to be a big present for me,” said Phatlum. 
“I love winning at this golf course and I like to play here very much.”

Phatlum began the final round tied for the lead with 
Australia’s Bree Arthur, but streaked away from her challenger with five early birdies as she reached the turn in 31.

Arthur faded badly, carding a dismal 80 to drop into a tie for 13th and paving the way for defending champion Caroline Hedwall (69) to come through into second place at nine-under.

Carly Booth tied for 22nd on three-over to move into third on the LET Order of Merit.