Ko Jin-young Leads vs Kim Se-young Tied for 2nd: "'Number 1' Battle Intensifies"

2020 Season Final CME Group Tour Championship Day 2 '1-Stroke Battle', Thompson Tied 2nd, Park In-bi Tied 20th

Ko Jin-young (left) and Kim Se-young are encouraging each other after completing the second day round of the CME Group Tour Championship. Naples, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The battle for 'Number 1' is reaching a fever pitch.

World No. 1 Ko Jin-young (25) surged to the lead with a 5-under-par on the second day of the CME Group Tour Championship (total prize $3 million), the final event of the 2020 LPGA Tour season, held on the 19th (Korean time) at Tiburon Golf Club (par 72, 6,556 yards) in Naples, Florida, USA. World No. 2 Kim Se-young (27, Mirae Asset) and 2018 champion Lexi Thompson (USA) are tied for second place at 8-under-par 136, chasing closely behind.

Starting from a tie for 6th place, 3 strokes behind, Ko Jin-young showcased flawless play with 5 birdies and no bogeys. She made only one birdie on the front nine at the 6th hole (par 5), but swept up 4 birdies on the back nine at holes 10, 14, 15, and 17, ultimately taking the top spot on the leaderboard. Her fairway hit rate was 100%, and her putting was outstanding with just 26 putts in the round. Rising to a 1-stroke lead, she has a chance to claim her 7th career win, her first in 1 year and 4 months since winning the CP Women’s Open last August.

This year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ko Jin-young stayed in Korea and only played on the KLPGA Tour before returning to the field late last month at the Pelican Women’s Championship. She secured her spot in this tournament by finishing tied for 2nd at last week’s final major, the U.S. Women’s Open. Having played only 3 of 17 tournaments, she ranks 13th in earnings with $567,925. A victory here would earn her $1.1 million and the title of 'Money Queen.'

Defending champion Kim Se-young recorded 5 birdies and 2 bogeys. Her concentration was evident as she made 4 birdies in the first 5 holes. She leads the tour in scoring average and ranks 2nd in both Player of the Year and money list this year. Lexi Thompson, who led after the first day, shot 1-under-par. Other Koreans include Park In-bi (32, KB Financial Group), tied for 20th at 2-under-par 142, Yoo So-yeon (30, Mediheal), tied for 37th at even par 144, and Lee Mi-rim (30, NH Investment & Securities), tied for 47th at 2-over-par 146.

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