ISPS Handa World Invitational Day 3: Cupcho and Tolli Join as Co-Leaders at 2 Under Par, Gwak Minseo Tied for 17th
Choi Woon-jung is teeing off at the 9th hole on the third day of the ISPS Handa World Invitational. Ballymena (Northern Ireland) = Getty Images / Multibits
[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "I will focus on every shot."
Choi Woon-jung (31, Volvik) added 2-under par on the third day of the LPGA Tour ISPS Handa World Invitational (total prize money $1.5 million) held at Galgorm Castle Golf Club (par 73) in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on the 1st (Korean time), positioning herself 4th (12-under par 206). She is just one stroke behind the co-leaders?Parnjit Anannarukarn (Thailand), Jennifer Kupcho, and Emma Talley (all from the USA)?at 13-under par 205, presenting a great opportunity to secure her second career win since the Marathon Classic in July 2015, six years ago.
On this day, Choi made two birdies at holes 1 and 13. Although she missed several birdie putts, her short game stood out as she maintained her score on seven holes. Her average driving distance was 242 yards, iron shot green hit rate was 61.11%, and she took 29 putts. "I'm happy to have a round without any bogeys for the first time in weeks," she said, adding, "Especially, I managed to hold well on the difficult holes." Her goal for tomorrow is, of course, to win.
Anannarukarn recorded a daily best 7-under par with one eagle and seven birdies (two bogeys). Off the course, news surfaced locally that Patrick Smith, Jennifer Kupcho's caddie, is Emma Talley's boyfriend, stirring some off-course buzz. Talley commented, "It's an unusual situation, but we are both just focused on our professions." Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand) is in 5th place (10-under par 208), while Kwak Min-seo (31) dropped to a tie for 17th (6-under par 212) after struggling with 2-over par.
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