Minjee Lee showcased her exceptional skills at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore, shooting an impressive 8-under 64 on Friday. This remarkable performance, which improved her first-round score by eight strokes, placed the three-time major champion in a tie for second, just one stroke behind the leader, Auston Kim.
Competition Heats Up at Sentosa Golf Club
Lee’s round included an eagle and six birdies, tying her for the best score of the day on the Tanjong course at the Sentosa Golf Club. Her two-round total stands at 9-under 135, putting her in contention alongside fellow competitors Ariya Jutanugarn and Haeran Ryu, who posted scores of 67 and 68, respectively.
At the top of the leaderboard, Kim maintained her lead with a first-round score of 69. The American golfer’s steady play has established her as a strong contender in this prestigious tournament. Meanwhile, Australian golfer Hannah Green made a significant move up the standings, finishing her round with three consecutive birdies for a total score of 66, putting her in a tie for fifth place.
Top Players Compete for Glory
American golfer Angel Yin matched Lee’s impressive 64, bringing her score to 6-under, three strokes behind Kim. Other notable performances included Charley Hull, currently ranked third, who carded a 67 and sits at 5-under. Defending champion Lydia Ko experienced a challenging day, finishing with a 72, placing her at 2-under.
Top-ranked player Jeeno Thitikul, who recently secured a victory in her home country of Thailand, struggled with a score of 70 after an opening 72, leaving her at 1-under and eight strokes off the lead. Notably, Nelly Korda, ranked second in the world, is absent from the tournament, which features a strong lineup of nine top-10 players.
This no-cut tournament is the second event in the LPGA’s early year Asian swing, with the final stop scheduled for next week on Hainan Island, China. As the competition continues, Lee’s impressive performance has positioned her as a frontrunner, eager to capture her fourth major title and further solidify her place among the elite in women’s golf.
