ZCZC
BSP-07
GOLF-USLPGA
World No. 1 Park shares LPGA lead with Thidapa
LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – World number one Park Sung-hyun
fired a six-under par 66 on Friday to seize a share of the halfway lead
alongside Thailand’s Thidapa Suwannapura at the LPGA Kia Classic.
South Korea’s Park teed off on 10 at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad,
California, and after two birdies in her first nine holes made a big move
with four birdies in the space of five holes after the turn.
“Overall, I’m pretty happy with my play today, especially the bogey-free
two days in a row,” said Park, a winner in Singapore last month. “The course
is not easy actually. The fairways are pretty narrow and the greens are very
soft and line is pretty hard to see for me.”
Thidapa had three birdies on each side to also sign for a 66 and join Park
on 10-under 134.
“Those greens are not that easy,” said Thidapa, who is also bogey-free over
the first two rounds. “Just play solid and hopefully keep making birdies.”
The leading duo were one stroke in front of overnight leader Chella Choi,
who carded a 70, and fellow South Korean Park In-bee, who posted a 67.
“It was a really good day out there,” Park In-bee said. “My putter really
worked well. Hit the ball pretty solid last couple days.”
Choi was pleased with a “really good comeback” after two early bogeys.
Australian Minjee Lee, the 2017 winner, carded a 69 to head a group on 137
that also included Colombia’s Mariajo Uribe (69), Spain’s Azahara Munoz (68)
and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez (70).
BSS/AFP/MR/1034 hrs