Australia has left itself a mountain to climb on the final day of the Queen Sirikit Trophy in Thailand.
Despite Grace Kim sitting handily in a share of sixth place on the individual leaderboard, the Aussies find themselves 14 shots adrift of the Philippines, the tournament’s shock and impressive leader in the Asia-Pacific women’s team championship.
Australia sits at three over par after two of the three rounds at Thana City Country Club on the outskirts of Bangkok, with Philippines at -14 and pre-tournament fancies Japan (-10), Korea (-9) and Thailand (-9) in hot pursuit.
Kim, of Sydney, was solid again today, firing a 73 after her opening 69 to leave her seven behind Filipino prodigy Yuka Saso.
Kim was typically consistent, but said after her round that the proximity of her irons to the flag minimised her birdie opportunities, of which she cashed in just one.
Australia’s second counting score today was delivered by the Gold Coast’s Becky Kay, whose 72 left at six over and in a share of 25th.
Kay had been determined to play better than during her opening-round 78 and dealt far better with the searing heat today, carding two birdies in her even-par round.
Melbourne’s Steph Bunque, on her Australian team debut, scrambled all day after an indifferent start and eventually signed for her second consecutive 77 to leave her at 10 over and in a share of 33rd individually.