'Domestic Player' Kim Ji-young Ties for 3rd Place: "Did You See My 4-Under Par Daily Best?"... Shibuno Leads

2020 Season Final Major US Women's Open Day 3, Olson 2nd, 'Number 1' Ko Jin-young Tied 9th

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "4-under par daily best."

Domestic player Kim Ji-young2 (24, SK Networks, photo) surged to a tie for 3rd place (1-under par 212) on the third day of the 2020 LPGA Tour's final major, the U.S. Women's Open (total prize money $5.5 million), held on the Cypress Creek Course (par 71, 6,731 yards) at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, on the 13th (Korean time). She is just three strokes behind the leader Hinako Shibuno (Japan, 4-under par 209), making her a strong contender for the championship.

Kim Ji-young2 was the champion of the BC Card·Hankyung Ladies Cup on the KLPGA Tour last June. She earned a 'major ticket' by qualifying as a top-ranked player in the world rankings. On this day, starting at the 10th hole (par 4), she made four birdies at holes 10, 16, 4, and 9 in the back nine, causing a stir. Above all, her 23 'stingy putts' stood out. It is interesting that only two players scored under par. The final day is highly anticipated.

Kim Ji-young2 is ranked 2nd in driving distance on the KLPGA Tour. In this tournament, she also ranked 1st in average drive distance (266.6 yards) among players who advanced to the third round. She exclaimed, "I didn't expect to play this well," adding, "After arriving in the U.S., I focused on adjusting to the time difference and practicing my short game, which paid off." She added, "My putting improved, which helped me break free from pressure and achieve good results," and concluded, "I will play calmly until the end."

Shibuno maintained her lead for the second day and is challenging for her second consecutive major victory following her surprise win at last year's Women's British Open. Amy Olson (USA) is in 2nd place (3-under par 210), while Korea's No. 1 Ko Jin-young (25), Kim Se-young (27, Mirae Asset), Kim A-rim (25), and Yoo Hae-ran (19, SK Networks) are chasing in a tie for 9th place (1-over par 214). Defending champion Lee Jeong-eun6 (24, Daebang Construction) is tied for 15th (2-over par 215), and Park In-bee (32, KB Financial Group) is tied for 33rd (5-over par 218).

Shibuno Hinako is reading the putting line on the 18th hole on the third day of the US Women's Open. Houston, Texas, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

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