HONDA LPGA THAILAND

February 25, 2023

Atthaya Thitikul

Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with Atthaya Thitikul. What day; 8-under today. Got off to a really hot start. Birdied four of the first five holes. Just walk me through your round out there.

ATTHAYA THITIKUL: I mean, just like I think like my mental today is pretty good. I mean, like not thinking about much. Yeah, and also I can perform really well with the ball striking and when I hit a solid like today, so giving my a chance to make the birdie.

Q. I was talking to your coach. What changes maybe did you make from yesterday to today that really helped you?

ATTHAYA THITIKUL: I don't know. Maybe like I have more confidence today, which mean -- I don't know why, because maybe I don't think much on the course. You know, like my mind was -- maybe it's blank, nothing much on my head.

So maybe because of that.

Q. Any of those birdies stand out in particular? Any highlights out there for you?

ATTHAYA THITIKUL: I think maybe last one, 18, which is really tough. I would say it's really tough lie, and that I be there, I mean, like 40 yards in the bunker, which it's three yards from the slope -- I mean, I'm just lucky maybe.

Q. Playing with Lydia today obviously. I was kind of joking with her. The last time you two played together I think was in Korea, so the crowds were like that for her. The crowds were like that for you today. What was it like playing in front of that big of a crowd?

ATTHAYA THITIKUL: Yeah, I feel like, you know, like happy to, you know, like be out here, my home crowd. And also I mean, everyone cheer -- like they are cheering for Lydia as well. Obviously because she's number one in the world, which is great.

When I played in Korea everyone just cheering with Lydia Ko as well. It's kind of like that when you're in your home, but always nice to be out here in Thai.

Q. Tomorrow obviously going to be a couple back, one or two back. Played really well; put yourself in position. What would it mean to just capture this title, to win this event?

ATTHAYA THITIKUL: It would mean a lot. Like it would mean a lot to me and to my team and to Thai fans I would say. But obviously I don't really thinking about, you know, like getting the trophy, because like it's golf. It's still 18 more holes to go, and then you like don't know what's going to happen in the front of you.

Just do your best. If it's your day, it's your day.

Q. And just finally, seeing all the Thai fans out here, seen a lot of kids this week. What does that tell you about the health and the future of Thai golf?

ATTHAYA THITIKUL: Media just talked to me today just like I think the fan, it's, you know, like getting bigger, even before COVID, and I just say, yeah, it's a good sign for Thai golf. And also the kids come out, so it's mean -- I think it's good sign for, you know, like women golf and also the junior golf as well, that they came out and watch us play. I think they got a lot of inspiration or motivation to play junior golf or want to be professional golfer, so I'm so happy with that.

Fastscripts by ASAP Sports...