Pettersen alone in 60s at Hainan
Print Edition
NORWAY’S Suzann Pettersen stormed into contention at the halfway stage of the Blue Bay LPGA with the only sub-70 round on a second day of strong winds and high scores on Hainan Island in south China.
Pettersen, who was accused of showing a lack of sportsmanship after a putt concession row at the Solheim Cup last month, fired four birdies in a round of 3-under-par 69 to sit second at 1-under, one off the pace.
South Korea’s Kim Sei-young was out in front after a birdie at the last gave her a level-par 72 and a 2-under 142 total on the Jian Lake Blue Bay course, where blustering winds and undulating greens have proved a tough test for the field.
Kim, 22, has proven herself to be a lover of the tough windy conditions, landing two titles this year in the blustering Bahamas and gusty Hawaii.
“I like playing in the wind,” the world No. 11 said. “I like the windy weather because I’m using a lot of skills and low cut shots. Very interesting.”
Pettersen, the world No. 10 who is looking for a 16th career win, shared second with Chinese Taipei’s Candie Kung (72) and American duo Ryann O’Toole (73) and Austin Ernst (75). The quintet were the only players under-par at the halfway stage of the US$2-million event, the penultimate leg of the Asia swing.
Overnight leader Lin Xiyu started her second round brightly with two birdies on the first three holes to reach 7-under but her round unravelled with seven bogeys as the Chinese player carded a 77.
That left her at level par alongside five others, including world No. 3 Stacy Lewis (73) of the United States.
World No. 1 Lydia Ko of New Zealand endured another tough day firing a 3-over 75 to be 8-over for the championships.
World No. 2 Park In-bee did not even make it onto the course yesterday, withdrawing with a finger injury.
In Kuala Lumpur, Justin Thomas had an eagle and nine birdies in shooting a course-record 61 at the CIMB Classic yesterday, taking the lead into the weekend.
Thomas moved to 15-under 129 for a one-stroke lead on American compatriot Brendan Steele, who shot a 63 and matched Thomas by having an eagle at the par-5 3rd hole.
First-round leader Scott Piercy had two bogeys on the front nine to shoot a 69 and was in a share of third place, two shots off the leader, along with Spencer Levin, who had a round of 64, and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who shot 66.
Former No.1 Adam Scott was at 10 under, and two-time defending champion Ryan Moore at 8 under.
For Thomas, a 22-year-old from Kentucky, this is the third time he has led at the halfway point of a tour event, but is still seeking his first victory.
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