Patty Tavatanakit finished with an eagle to take a three-stroke lead over Atthaya Thitikul at the halfway stage of the LPGA Thailand tournament on Friday.

Tavatanakit moved to 16-under 128 at Siam Country Club after a 12-foot putt on the par-5 18th for back-to-back 64s. Despite no spectators because of the pandemic, Tavatanakit and 18-year-old Thitikul are playing under high home expectations. A Thai player has never won this U.S. LPGA Tour event. Ariya Jutanugarn was second in 2013, and her sister Moriya Jutanugarn runner-up in 2018.

“My driving wasn’t the greatest today, a little bit off, but I feel like I just ignored the fact that I have to make it perfect and play from wherever I hit,” Tavatanakit said.

Patty Tavatanakit putts on the 10th green during the second round of the LPGA's Hugel-Air Premia LA Open golf tournament at Wilshire Country Club Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP PhotoAshley Landis)

Patty Tavatanakit putts on the 10th green during the second round of the LPGA's Hugel-Air Premia LA Open golf tournament at Wilshire Country Club Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP PhotoAshley Landis)

The 21-year-old Tavatanakit, who became Thailand’s new leading female golfer following her breakthrough win at the ANA Inspiration major last month, said she missed playing in front of spectators.

“When I played this tournament years ago, there was a big crowd coming to see us which was a great atmosphere," Tavatanakit said. “But it’s been quiet these two days. I really miss the fans.”

Thitikul had a bogey on the 17th and had a second-round 67.

Lydia Ko watches her shot from the 11th tee during the second round of the LPGA's Hugel-Air Premia LA Open golf tournament at Wilshire Country Club Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP PhotoAshley Landis)

Lydia Ko watches her shot from the 11th tee during the second round of the LPGA's Hugel-Air Premia LA Open golf tournament at Wilshire Country Club Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP PhotoAshley Landis)

“I played pretty well but didn’t make some putts. I need to go straight to the driving range to fix my irons and work on my putts,” said Thitikul, a two-time Ladies European Tour winner.

Thitikul turned professional last year and ended up 2020 as the No. 1 on the Thai LPGA Tour. The LPGA Thailand is her final tune-up before she joins the LET.

“Coming from amateur to pro, I know I still have a lot to improve in my game,” Thitikul said.

Caroline Masson (66) is a stroke behind Thitikul in third. Lydia Ko (67), Gaby Lopez (64) and Nanna Koerstz Madsen (68) are tied for fourth, five strokes behind Tavatanakit.

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