Two Thais in the Final 16 in Las Vegas

After three hot days playing in the group rounds at the inaugural Bank of Hope LPGA Match Play in Las Vegas, Thais Ariya Jutanugarn and Patty Tavatanakit have progress to the weekend knock out stages.

Used to the high temperatures in Thailand, the 100F Nevada conditions at the Shadow Creek golf club do not phase either player.

Ariya Jutanugarn eliminated Sarah Schmelzel with a par on the first playoff hole, having tied first in her group. On Saturday Ariya will tee off at 07.30am local time against Anna Nordqvist from Sweden.

Patty Tavatankit, advanced to the Round of 16 with a 5-and-4 win over Stacy Lewis on Friday, and she meets Nasa Hataoka from Japan at 08.00am.

Hataoka is just nine months older than Tavatanakit, and the two are very well-acquainted with each other’s games dating back to their amateur days.

“I've known her since middle school and I first played with her when I was 14, so I know how she plays. And being that she is a real top hitter and her distance is long,” said Hataoka.

“Also winning a major, so I need to keep that in mind and play on.”

Other notables in the last 16 are Dannielle Kang who lives in Las Vegas, Minjee Lee who beat Moriya Jutanugarn in her group and Inbee Park who is always a threat.

The event with a total prize fund of US$1.5 Million at stake concludes on Sunday. Watch the live action on Golf Channel.

photo of Patty Tavatankit, supplied by Getty Images and the LPGA