Iron hand Hye Jin Choi (-14). The South Korean golfer has opened a gap in the Maybank Championship in the best way possible. She delivered the lowest card of the tournament on the first day and has done it again on the second. Conclusion: absolute leadership and a five-shot advantage over the second position, shared by Ruoning Yin (-9) and Hannah Green (-9). A good cushion, an advantage anyone would sign for after 36 holes, although Choi will not be the one to get complacent. She is still seeking her first victory on the LPGA Tour, a rarity for one of the most solid players on the circuit.
Choi signed a round of 66 today, under slightly tougher conditions than Thursday, especially due to the heat. The greens are very firm, and it’s not easy to leave close birdie chances. Recoveries are also very complicated. Therefore, the only bogey in 36 holes by the leader is just a demonstration of her finesse. She is as consistent as ever from tee to green and, as if that weren’t enough, she is brilliant with the putter. Interestingly, the only bogey of the day came on hole 1. She then made five birdies in the next seven holes.
Obviously, the job is not finished. There are 36 holes left, and many things can still happen. Her two pursuers are not just anyone. Ruoning is the current title defender, and Green comes from the high of winning with Australia at the International Crown. One shot further back is a group of eight players, no less, among whom Lydia Ko, Linn Grant, and Miyu Yamashita stand out. No, Hye Jin Choi knows perfectly well that it’s not done.
Those who will not be in the fight for victory are Carlota Ciganda (-1) and Julia López (-1). They are very far back in the standings, eight shots from the top 10. However, the good thing is that this week, as happens throughout the Asian tour, there is no cut, so there is still plenty of room for improvement to earn points and money. Carlota shot 71 today, with three birdies and two bogeys, both very costly on two par 5s, and Julia shot 73, over par, with a double bogey on the 14th. They occupy the 55th position.
