SK NetworksㆍSeoul Economic Ladies Classic Day 2: Ha Da-bin 2nd Place, 'Top Prize Money Earner' Kim Hyo-joo Tied 7th
Jang Hana is taking a shot on the 1st hole on the second day of the SK Networks Seoul Economic Ladies Classic. Photo by KLPGA
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist] "4-under-par daily best."
Jang Hana (28, BC Card) is making a dazzling chase. On the 30th, at the second day of the KLPGA Tour SK Networks Seoul Economic Ladies Classic (total prize money 800 million won) held at Pinx Golf Club in Seogwipo, Jeju Island (par 72, 6,638 yards), she surged to a tie for 3rd place at 4-under-par 140 by shooting 4-under-par in a single day, climbing up by 3 strokes. Kim Yubin (22, Hana Financial Group) leads for the second day (7-under-par 137), and Heo Dabin (22, Samil Pharmaceutical) is chasing in 2nd place (5-under-par 139).
Jang Hana recorded 5 birdies and 1 bogey. She started well with consecutive birdies on holes 4 and 5, added 'stepping stone birdies' on holes 10 and 12 in the back nine, and a 5.3-yard birdie on hole 16 (par 5). The bogey on hole 17 (par 3) was the only blemish. She made a '3-putt' from a distance of 5.6 yards. "The wind was strong, and the pin position was located near the greenside, making it not easy to reduce the score," she said, adding, "I will take the late mistake as a tonic for the remaining rounds" and composed herself.
It is surprising that Jang Hana has no wins this season. She has participated in 13 tournaments, entering the 'top 10' six times, but has repeatedly tasted defeat at the doorstep of victory. Last year, she swept two wins including the Hana Financial Group Championship in October and the BMW Ladies co-hosted by the LPGA Tour, ranking 2nd in prize money (1,157.72 million won). "Recently, my golf feels so good that it feels easy," she said, expressing confidence that "especially October is promising."
Kim Yubin maintained her position at the top of the leaderboard by adding an even par. After a tedious 'par march' for 13 holes, she made a bogey on hole 14 (par 3) but recovered with a birdie on hole 17 (par 3). Only nine players shot under par that day, making it a good opportunity for a first win. Prize money leader Kim Hyoju (25, Lotte) is positioned at a tie for 7th place (2-under-par 142), and defending champion Choi Hyejin (21, Lotte) is aiming to defend her title from a tie for 13th place (1-under-par 143).
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