First modification: 26/06/2021 – 03:06Last modification: 26/06/2021 – 03:05
Washington (AFP)
With six consecutive birdies to close out the second round, young American Nelly Korda rose to the lead in the LPGA Championship on Friday with a one-shot lead over compatriot Lizette Salas.
Korda, daughter of former Czech tennis player Petr Korda, signed a spectacular 63-stroke, nine-under-par card at Johns Creek, Georgia in her bid to reach her first Grand Slam title.
“It helps to have a crowd here,” said the world number three. “I feel like when the audience is here, it supports you and gives you a lot of energy as well.”
The 22-year-old Korda had a total of 10 birdies on a course that he had started by committing a bogey. The American, sister of fellow golfer Jessica Korda and promising tennis player Sebastian Korda, has a cumulative 133 strokes, 11 under par, after two days at Atlanta Athletic Club.
A blow from behind is placed Lizette Salas, leader in the first round, who signed 67 shots this Friday. In third place is a group with the French Celine Boutier, the Canadian Alena Sharp and the American Cydney Clanton, four strokes behind Korda.
The American has so far finished on the podium in three Grand Slam tournaments, including a shared third place this year at the ANA Inspiration and another at the 2019 LPGA Championship.
Last week, Korda won his fifth LPGA title at the Meijer Classic.
For her part, Lizette Salas, of Mexican parents, has a single LPGA trophy achieved in 2014 at Kingsmill (Williamsburg, Virginia).
– Results of the second round of the LPGA Championship (par-72):
133 – Nelly Korda (USA) 70-63
134 – Lizette Salas (USA) 67-67
137 – Celine Boutier (FRA) 73-64, Cydney Clanton (USA) 70-67, Alena Sharp (CAN) 69-68
138 – Madelene Sagstrom (SWE) 70-68
139 – Park In-bee 71-68 (USA), Esther Henseleit (GER) 71-68, Charley Hull (ENG) 68-71
140-Danielle Kang (USA) 73-67, Kim Hyo-joo (KOR) 71-69, Austin Ernst (USA) 71-69, Wichanee Meechai (THA) 73-67, Ryann O’Toole (USA) 71-69 , Lin Xiyu (CHN) 69-71, Mina Harigae (USA) 70-70, Giulia Molinaro (ITA) 70-70, Dottie Ardina (PHI) 70-70
© 2021 AFP
