Kim Ji-hyun Scores First Win in Doosan Match Qualifiers "Title Defense GO~"

Doosan Match Play Day 1: Lee Gayoung Wins by 3 Holes, Park Minji Defeats Hong Ran by 4 Holes, Choi Hyejin Suffers 1 Loss

Kim Ji-hyun is hitting an iron shot on the 17th hole on the first day of the Doosan Match Play Championship. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "I like match play."

Defending champion Kim Ji-hyun (30) has made a strong start. On the 19th, at the Radenna Golf Club in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province (par 72, 6,333 yards), she defeated Lee Ga-young (22) by 3 holes on the first day of the Korean LPGA (KLPGA) Tour Doosan Match Play Championship (total prize money 800 million won) qualifiers. Kim first earned the title of 'Match Queen' in 2019, and last year’s event was canceled due to COVID-19, so she is now aiming to defend her title again this year. Like the World Cup in soccer, the players are divided into 16 groups, and the top player from each group advances to the round of 16.

Kim Ji-hyun took the initiative by making a birdie on the first hole she played, the 10th hole (par 4). Although she lost the 11th hole (par 4), she gained momentum by winning the 18th hole (par 5), where Lee Ga-young made a bogey, and the first hole of the back nine (par 4) consecutively. After exchanging the 2nd hole (par 5) and 4th hole (par 4), she pulled ahead by 3 holes at the 6th hole (par 5) and sealed the match at the 7th hole (par 3). She expressed confidence, saying, "In match play, offensive and defensive strategies vary depending on the opponent’s performance."

Park Min-ji (23, NH Investment & Securities) defeated Hong Ran (35) by 4 holes, powered by three consecutive birdies from the 1st to 3rd holes. Having already secured her second win of the 2021 season early at the NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship that ended on the 16th, this marks her 'second consecutive week victory' and already her 'third win hunt.' Other title contenders showed strong early momentum, such as Park Hyun-kyung (20, Korea Land & Housing Corporation Trust), who defeated Kim Hyo-moon (23) by 5 holes. Jang Ha-na (29, BC Card) also won by 3 holes against Yoon Da-hyun (20).

Seo Yeon-jung (26) made big news by defeating last year’s Grand Prize winner Choi Hye-jin (22, Lotte) by 2 holes. Choi was hampered after losing 4 of the first 6 holes, including the 3rd to 6th holes, and her late comeback in the back nine was ineffective. Bae So-hyun (28), making her first appearance in this tournament, became a highlight by crushing Oh Ji-hyun (25) by 7 holes. She added, "I first played the course during the practice round," and expressed her determination, "I will do my best every day."

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