Jin Young Ko in the Lead After 3 Rounds at HSBC Women’s World Championship
Defending champion Jin Young Ko of South Korea surged into the lead with a 7-under 65 on Saturday at the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore.[0] The Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No. 5 sits two strokes ahead of the field at -14 after three rounds, as she looks to defend her title in the 15th playing of the tournament.[1]
Four Americans are in close pursuit of Ko, with Nelly Korda leading the charge at -12. Korda carded a 68 on Saturday, salvaging her up-and-down round with birdies at the par-3 17th and par-4 18th. Allisen Corpuz (70) and Elizabeth Szokol (70) are in a tie for second at -11, while 36-hole leader Danielle Kang (72) is at -10 in fifth.
Szokol opened the tournament with a career-low 8-under 64, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 5th and seven birdies. Kang surged to the front of the pack with a second-round 63 on Friday, hitting 14 fairways and 16 greens and taking 25 putts with a one-of-a-kind putter stamped “DK Special” built by Scotty Cameron himself.
While Kang and Szokol lead the American contingent, six-time LPGA Tour winner Yuka Saso (67) of Japan and 2021 U.S. Women’s Open presented by ProMedica winner is in close pursuit and just three shots back.[2] Five of the six players tied for third place at four under are major champions: Nelly Korda, Ariya Jutanugarn, Patty Tavatanakit, Jeongeun Lee6 and Hyo Joo Kim.[2] World No. 1 Lydia Ko sits T-14 at 2 under.[2]
The final round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship tees off Sunday, with Ko looking to defend her title and claim her 14th LPGA Tour win.
0. “”So thank you, Mr. Scotty”- Danielle Kang thanks Scottie Cameron after posting 63 at HSBC Women's World Championship” Sportskeeda, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-so-thank-you-mr-scotty-danielle-kang-thanks-scottie-cameron-posting-63-hsbc-women-s-world-championship
1. “Ko Leads, Korda Lurks with 18 to Play at the HSBC Women’s World Championship” LPGA, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.lpga.com/news/2023/ko-leads-korda-lurks-with-18-to-play-at-the-hsbc-womens-world-championship
2. “Elizabeth Szokol leads LPGA's HSBC Women's World Championship” Golfweek, 2 Mar. 2023, https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/03/02/elizabeth-szokol-lpga-hsbc-womens-world-championship
