P.K. Kongkraphan extended her lead after 36 holes at the 2023 GRIN Cup Charity Open. Despite not making any progress and staying on 4-under par on Day 2, she sees herself with an even thicker five-shot cushion heading into tomorrow’s final round.

Facing some weather uncertainty due to a typhoon near Taiwan, after a cautious discussion, the tournament decided to continue play despite a delay of start time by one hour, as well as another one-hour rain break around 10 a.m.

Luckily for the players and staffs, the rains persisted but not in a way that would force a call-off. Kongkraphan remained calm and steady under the wind to post an even-par 72 with three birdies and three bogeys. “The conditions were really difficult early on and I’m glad that things went a bit easier later on the back nine,” said Kongkraphan. The Thai player is already a two-time winner on this year’s TLPGA Tour.

Home course player Chang Ya-Chun (張雅淳) showcased her abilities in the extreme weather. She grabbed four birdie chances, offset by just two bogeys, to rise into solo second on 1-over 145.

“I honestly do not think my home-course experience played a role here, because the wind was so messy that I don’t think it was possible to really stick to the game plan,” said Chang. “But on the positive side, the pressure was lifted. I did not have very high expectations. I was playing very relaxed. My putter was great especially, saving many pars.” Chang could’ve finished one-shot closer to Kongkraphan if not for the bogey on the final hole, where her view for the second shot was blocked by a trunk.

Chang Hsuan-Ping (張瑄屏) finished the round with three birdies, two bogeys and two double-bogeys, dropping into a three-way tie for third.

Lai Yi-Ting (賴怡廷) was in solo sixth at 147, while Kuo Ai-Chen (郭艾榛) fell from equal second to seventh at 148.

56 players at 13-over 157 or better prevailed through to the final round on Friday. Winner will pocket a top cash prize of NT540,000.

Tomorrow, twelve senior players will also be featured in a traditional 18-hole event.

Charity donation raised before and throughout the tournament by GRIN, a leading membrane material manufacturer in Taiwan, will be used to aid four local organizations. The pre-tournament funding for this year has reached NT$2.2 million.