Marathon Classic Day 3: Danielle Kang Chases from 2nd Place, 4 Strokes Behind; Minjee Lee Tied for 3rd
Shin Ji-eun is making a bunker shot on the 10th hole on the third day of the Marathon Classic. Sylvania, Ohio, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Multibits
[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] Shin Ji-eun (28, Hanwha Q CELLS) remained tied for 25th place.
On the 9th (Korean time), at the Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio, USA (par 71, 6,550 yards), during the third day of the LPGA Tour Marathon Classic (total prize money $1.7 million), she faltered with an even-par round, finishing at 4-under 209. Lydia Ko (New Zealand) added 3-under to lead by 4 strokes at 16-under 197. Danielle Kang (USA), winner of the Drive On Championship, is chasing in second place at 12-under 201.
Shin Ji-eun exchanged 2 birdies for 2 bogeys. Her iron shot green hit rate dropped sharply to 61.11%, making it difficult for her to gain momentum. Yang Hee-young (31, Woori Financial Group) and Jeon Young-in (20, Mediheal) are tied for 33rd at 3-under 210, and Kang Hye-ji (30) is tied for 49th at 2-under 211. Lydia Ko recorded 4 birdies and 1 bogey. She is poised to claim her 16th career victory, her first in 2 years and 4 months since the Mediheal Championship in April 2018.
Top Korean players such as world No. 1 Ko Jin-young (25), No. 4 Park Sung-hyun (27), and No. 10 Kim Hyo-joo (25, Lotte) seem to be benefiting significantly from the withdrawal of players from the LPGA Tour due to COVID-19. Defending champion Kim Sei-young (27, Mirae Asset) has also given up on defending her title. On the final day, she will face off against Danielle Kang in the champion group. Minjee Lee (Australia) and Jodi Ewart Shadoff (England) are tied for 3rd at 10-under 203, watching for their opportunity.
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