Date: December 01, 2012
Author: Omnisport

Arthur grabs share of the lead

Thailand&aposs Pornanong Phatlum and Bree Arthur of Australia have stormed to the top of the leaderboard at the Women&aposs Indian Open. While Sweden&aposs Caroline Hedwall broke the course record at the DLF Golf & Country Club to finish the day six under overall, one shot off the lead, Phatlum and Arthur head into the final round in front. Phatlum started Saturday&aposs second round in New Delhi on the back nine, three shots off the lead, in a tie for 16th. But after an early bogey, the 22-year-old Thai produced an impressive performance with eight birdies, including on the 8th and 9th holes, to complete a seven-under 65. Phatlum was joined on seven under overall by Arthur, who carded a five-under second round 67, including five birdies on the back nine. The 24-year-old Australian had an inconsistent front nine with three bogeys cancelling out her birdies to leave her level par halfway through the second round, before going low on the way back in. Reigning champion Hedwall meanwhile carded a 10-under 62 to move into outright third, which keeps her hopes of back-to-back titles alive after an opening round of four over. England&aposs Laura Davies is fourth on four under, one stroke ahead of compatriots Florentyna Parker and Elizabeth Bennett, as well as Thailand&aposs Nontaya Srisawang. Overnight leaders Stefania Croce, Aditi Ashok and Becky Brewerton all slid down the leaderboard on Saturday, with the latter scoring a four-over 76 to drop to hold a share of 17th at one over for the joint Ladies European Tour and Ladies Asian Golf Tour tournament.