Jeon In-ji's Smooth Sailing "Leading by 6 Strokes"... Kim Se-young "Tied for 4th, Strong Performance"

Major KPMG Women's PGA Championship Day 2: 3 Under Par, Lydia Ko and Cupcho Tied for 2nd, Ko Jin-young Tied for 27th

Jeon In-ji cheers after making a birdie on the 5th hole during the second day of the third major of the season, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Bethesda, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Flying Dumbo' Jeon In-ji (28) is sailing smoothly.

On the 25th (Korean time), at the Blue Course (par 72, 6,894 yards) of the Congressional Golf Club in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, during the second day of the third major of this LPGA Tour season, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship (total prize money $9 million), Jeon added 3 under par to maintain her position at the top of the leaderboard (11 under par, 133 strokes). World No. 4 Lydia Ko (New Zealand) and two-time champion Jennifer Kupcho (USA) are in a chase at joint 2nd place (5 under par, 139 strokes).

Jeon started with a 5-stroke lead, recording 5 birdies and 2 bogeys. She gained momentum with a birdie on the 2nd hole (par 3) and consecutive birdies on the 4th and 5th holes, but was checked by back-to-back bogeys on the 7th and 8th holes. However, she changed the mood with a birdie on the 3rd hole (par 3) and showed strong finishing power with a birdie on the final 18th hole (par 4). She missed the fairway and green only twice each. Leading by 6 strokes, she is aiming for her 4th career win, her first in 3 years and 8 months since the KEB Hana Bank Championship in October 2018.

Jeon secured her 'LPGA Tour direct ticket' by winning the major US Women's Open in July 2015 as a non-member. She also topped the podium at the major Evian Championship and the KEB Hana Bank Championship in September 2016. After showing stable skills, she has been struggling with a win drought for nearly 4 years. This year, she has entered the top 10 once in 13 tournaments. Her best result this season is a tie for 2nd place at the HSBC Women's World Championship in March.

Lydia Ko is hitting an iron shot on the 12th hole during the second day of the major KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Bethesda, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

Lydia Ko swept up 6 birdies (1 bogey). She is a strong player who earned her 17th career win at the Gainbridge LPGA in January. She is on a steep upward trend, finishing in the top 5 four times in her last five tournaments. 'ShopRite Champion' Brooke Henderson (Canada), Hannah Green (Australia), Jennifer Chang, and Caroline Inglis (all USA) are tied for 4th place (4 under par, 140 strokes). Defending champion Nelly Korda (USA) lost 2 strokes and slipped to a tie for 41st place (1 over par, 145 strokes).

From Korea, Kim Sei-young (29) posted 3 under par to be tied for 4th place. Rookie Choi Hye-jin (23) is also performing well, tied for 9th place (3 under par, 141 strokes) alongside 'US Women's Open champion' Lee Min-ji (Australia). Park Sung-hyun (29), Kim In-kyung (34), and Kim A-rim (27) are tied for 17th place (1 under par, 143 strokes). No. 1 Ko Jin-young (27) exchanged 3 birdies for 3 bogeys and is tied for 27th place (even par, 144 strokes). 'Three-time consecutive champion' Park In-bi (34) lost 1 stroke and remained tied for 41st place.

Kim Sei-young is teeing off on the 14th hole on the second day of the major KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Bethesda, USA = Photo by Getty Images/Multibits

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