Park Hyunkyung's '2 Consecutive Wins March'... What About the Overseas Players' Counterattack?

E1 Charity Open Lineup: Lee Da-yeon, Choi Hye-jin, Lee Jeong-eun 6, Kim Hyo-joo, Lee Bo-mi and Other Stars Gather

'Major Queen' Park Hyun-kyung has embarked on a challenge for her second consecutive win at the E1 Charity Open.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Major Queen' Park Hyun-kyung (20, Korea Land Trust) is on a two-win streak.

On the 28th, the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour E1 Charity Open (total prize money 800 million KRW) kicked off at South Springs Golf Club in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province (par 72, 6,501 yards). This is the second event after the KLPGA Championship since the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 144 players are competing for the winner's prize of 160 million KRW. This year, the number of rounds increased from 3 to 4 instead of a pro-am, making the competition even more distinctive.

Under the slogan "COVID-19, We Will Win! Hope Recharge Korea!" the event is held without spectators. Unlike the KLPGA Championship, there is a cut-off right after the 2nd round. Title sponsor E1 supports players who fail to advance to the final round with a 300,000 KRW gift certificate. The biggest point of interest is Park Hyun-kyung's attempt to win two consecutive tournaments. On the final day of the KLPGA Championship on the 17th, she shot 5 under par to achieve a one-stroke come-from-behind victory.

She debuted last year and tasted the joy of standing at the top for the first time in just 29 tournaments. It was a special achievement as the first victory worldwide after COVID-19. Her driving shots, irons, and putting all came together, signaling a strong performance. Last year, she finished 5th in this tournament. Park Hyun-kyung, who said she feels "different emotions and mindset after winning two weeks ago," described the course as one where "green approach is important depending on the pin position," and expressed her hunter instinct by saying, "I want to achieve a result similar to last year."

'Hyosung Championship Champ' Lee Da-yeon (23, Mediheal) is competing for her second win. She was the 2018 champion. For Lim Eun-bin (23, All For You), this is a title defense. Last year, she secured the winning par on the fourth hole of a playoff. She entered the tour in 2016 and achieved this in her 93rd tournament. Domestic number one players such as Choi Hye-jin (21, Lotte), Lim Hee-jeong (20, Hanwha Q CELLS), Cho Ah-yeon (20, Volvik), Jang Ha-na (28, BC Card), and 2015 champion Lee Jung-min (28, Hanwha Q CELLS) have also joined the competition for the title.

The overseas players, including world No. 10 Lee Jeong-eun6 (24, Daebang Construction) and No. 13 Kim Hyo-joo (25, Lotte), are formidable. Bae Seon-woo (26) is a dark horse. Above all, she boasts a record of 20 under par 196 strokes without a bogey when she won in 2016. She maintained the lead for three days at the KLPGA Championship and tied for second place with Lim Hee-jeong, showing that her competitive shot form is well-tuned. Ahn Sun-ju (33) and Lee Bo-mi (32) are also looking for opportunities.

Lee Jeong-eun 6, Kim Hyo-joo, and Lee Bo-mi (from left) are determined to show the power of 'overseas players' at the E1 Charity Open.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.