Sung Yujin Leads by 2 Shots with "7-Under Par Daily Best"... Kim Jihyun in 2nd Place

Elcrew-TV Chosun Pro Celebrity Day 2: No Seung-hee and Choi Hye-jin Tied for 3rd Place, Yuhyunju 'Cut Off'

Sung Yujin is examining the putting line on the 2nd hole of the second day of Elcrew-TV Chosun Pro Celebrity. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "7-under-par daily best."

It is the first victory opportunity for Seong Yu-jin (21), in her 4th year on the tour. On the 25th, at Island Golf Course in Ansan, Gyeonggi-do (par 72, 6,613 yards), during the second day of the KLPGA Tour Elkru-TV Chosun Pro Celebrity (total prize money 600 million won), she surged with a 7-under-par to take the lead by 2 strokes (11-under-par 133). Kim Ji-hyun (30) is in 2nd place (9-under-par 135), while No Seung-hee (20), Choi Hye-jin (22, Lotte), and Yoo Hae-ran (20, SK Networks) are tied for 3rd place (8-under-par 136), engaging in a late chase.

Seong Yu-jin, a former national team reserve, debuted on the tour in 2019 and successfully settled in by finishing second twice: at the McCol-Yongpyong Resort Open last July and the BC Card-Hankyung Ladies Cup this past June. This tournament, especially, gained momentum with a 4-under-par on the first day followed by a 7-under-par on the second day. She recorded 8 birdies and 1 bogey, with her pinpoint iron shots missing the green only once standing out. She is determined to "play without regrets."

It is interesting that Seong Yu-jin will be paired with the "national hitter" Lee Seung-yeop (45) on the final day. Sixty players and 30 celebrities are organized into teams of three, competing in a four-ball format (each plays their own ball and the best score counts) for the team championship. She added, "He is someone who has reached the top in his field, and I am curious about not only his golf skills but also his mentality." Two-time champion Jang Ha-na (29, BC Card) remained tied for 23rd place (2-under-par 142). Yoo Hyun-joo (27), who attracted attention as a surprise caddie for Kim Hyo-joo (26, Lotte) the previous day, was cut off after struggling with 6-over-par, finishing tied for 99th place (11-over-par 155).