Pattaya, May 7: Former Malaysian Amateur Open winner Thidapa Suwannapura of Thailand won the ladies title at the Singha Pattaya Open on Saturday, her first victory as a professional.

Eighteen-year-old Thidapa had a three-round total of 14-under-par 202 (65-68-69) for an impressive 14-stroke triumph over Tanaporn Kongkiatkrai. She won a trophy and 24,000 Thai baht.

“This is my first win as a professional – I am delighted,” said Thidapa, who turned pro earlier this year. “It was good that the organisers opened the event to women. It was great experience to play the same course set up as the men but from forward tees.”

Thidapa enjoyed success as an amateur, winning the girls event at the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in China last year. She also competed in the LPGA qualifying school as an amateur but failed to secure her card.

The All Thailand Golf Tour in conjunction with the ASEAN PGA Tour included 24 females in the tournament as a way of promoting the women’s game in the region. The ASEAN PGA Tour is looking to have a ladies division in other events on its schedule this season.

Source: www.aseanpgatour.com