Pornanong Phatlum has demonstrated the growing depth of Thai golf talent when she vaulted to the halfway lead at the Women's British Open.
She posted a 67 and a 10-under 134 total, while Australian first round leader Minjee Lee (70), Japan's Mamiko Higa (69) and England's Georgia Hall (68) were nipping at her heels on nine-under.
Phatlum arrived at the Lytham course with a dreadful Open record of only one cut made in seven previous starts, but she seems to have finally come to grips with the style of golf required on British seaside courses.
"(The) links course is pretty hard for me," she said.
"Every year I just try to plan to do my best. I didn't have good times, so right now I (feel) like I got more experience and like more confidence on my swing."
But she will have to keep making birdies to hold off the pack, including Lee, who finished poorly, dropping three shots in the final three holes.
Hall had no such problems in a bogey-free round as she rode the support of the home gallery.
"It just makes me happy that I see so many people supporting me," she said. "I don't really feel any pressure at all."
Hall finished in a tie for third at last year's Open. She plays with a refreshingly uncomplicated outlook.
"I just go out there and try to commit to my shot and whatever happens from there, happens.
"I try not to worry about too much and hopefully try to sink some putts."
Canadian Brooke Henderson (70) inched within five shots of the lead, thanks to an ace with a nine-iron from 141 yards at the ninth.
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