Auston Kim (-6) is the first leader of the HSBC Women’s World Championship, a tournament on the LPGA Tour taking place this week at the Tanjong course of the Sentosa Golf Club. The 25-year-old Korean-American is making her debut in these ranks. It is the first time she has led an LPGA Tour tournament after any round. A new situation to which we will see how she responds throughout the week. It is a different pressure and a very distinct attention.
Kim has a one-shot lead over China’s Yan Liu (-5), who is playing this tournament for the first time, and two over a group of five players including Miyu Yamashita, Mimi Rhodes, and Linn Grant, among others. Indeed, it seems that the strongest contingent is precisely these players who share the position at -4. At least, the most powerful names are present.
Speaking of favourites, it hasn’t been the best start for Jeeno Thitikul (+1), the World Number One. The Thai player, who recently achieved a very important victory at home, hasn’t started in the best way. It’s unusual to see her above par. Even so, she has plenty of room to make a comeback. She should not be ruled out for the victory by any means. After all, there are only five shots difference from third place with 54 holes remaining. A huge margin.
The Spanish players are also not ruled out for the win, by any means, although their start has been somewhat cold. Julia López (+1) made five bogeys and four birdies. She didn’t have her best day on the greens, and the shots to the green are not exactly easy on this challenging Singapore design. Meanwhile, Carlota Ciganda (+2) is just one shot behind. The same situation. There is still room to react, but she will need three very good rounds to get into the top positions. There can be no more slip-ups. The Navarrese player could only make one bogey today, a good reflection that she hasn’t felt comfortable on the greens either.
Let’s remember that the HSBC Women’s World Championship, known as the women’s major of Asia, has no cut. All players will compete in all four rounds.
