Inbee Park "Warming Up for Olympic Back-to-Back"... Danielle Kang 'Title Defense'

Two Wins at Marathon Classic, 2019 Champ Kim Se-young's Victory Challenge, Kastren Rematch, US Women's Open Champ Saso Appears

Park In-bee started warming up for her "Olympic back-to-back victory" at the Marathon Classic.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Golf queen Park In-bee (33, KB Financial Group) is warming up for her 'Olympic back-to-back gold medals.'

On the night of the 8th (Korean time), the LPGA Tour Marathon Classic (total prize money $2 million) will be held at the Meadows Golf Course in Sylvania, Ohio, USA (par 71, 6,578 yards). Since Park Se-ri's (44, retired) victory in 1998, Korean players have combined for an impressive 12 wins on this 'promised land.' Park Se-ri especially thrilled fans by sweeping 5 wins. A total of 144 players will compete in a 72-hole stroke play over four days. The winner's prize is $300,000 (34 million KRW).

Park In-bee has already achieved her first goal this year. In March, she secured her 21st career victory at the Kia Classic, earning her a spot in the Olympics as the world No. 3. Her next target is to complete her back-to-back Olympic gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics, which open on July 4 at Kasumigaseki Golf Club near Tokyo, Japan. Park In-bee won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where golf was reinstated as an official sport for the first time in 116 years since 1900.

She skipped last week's Amundi Evian Championship to manage her condition. Starting with this tournament, she plans to participate in the Dow Invitational and the Evian Championship to sharpen her competitive edge before heading to the Tokyo Olympics. "My second Olympic participation is my big dream and the most important goal this year," said Park In-bee. "The Olympics is not an opportunity that comes easily, so it feels even more precious. I definitely want to win the gold medal and bring honor to the country."

Kim Se-young is once again challenging for her first win of the season at the Marathon Classic.

2019 champion Kim Sei-young (28, Mediheal) aims for victory again after two years. She has played in 12 tournaments this year but has yet to win, which has been frustrating. She has finished in the top 10 three times, with her best result being a tie for second at the Lotte Championship in April. Korea's lineup includes past champions such as Kim In-kyung (33, Hanwha Q CELLS) in 2017, Choi Woon-jung (31, Volvik) in 2015, Yoo So-yeon (31, Mediheal) in 2012, and Choi Na-yeon (34, Daebang Construction) in 2010.

‘Mediheal champ’ Matilda Castren (Finland) is seeking revenge. She finished runner-up by one stroke behind No. 2 Ko Jin-young (26) at last week's Amundi Evian Championship and is determined to erase that disappointment. Danielle Kang (USA) is defending her title. She recalls her thrilling come-from-behind victory last year, starting four strokes behind in second place. She has been on an upswing with three top-5 finishes in her last four tournaments. US Women's Open champion Yuka Saso (Philippines) is also on the entry list.

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