Off the wire
• Xinhua Insight: Why China's 13th Five-Year Plan deserves attention  • U.S. astronaut receives medical checkup after yearlong mission  • Urgent: DPRK condemns UN resolution, warns of resolute measures  • Spotlight: Chinese-built hydropower will enable Ecuador to be clean energy supplier  • 4 al-Qaida operatives killed in U.S. drone strike in SE Yemen  • Xinhua Insight: More Chinese farmers move out of poverty  • Palestinian female assailant killed in car attack at Israeli soldiers  • China accounts for half of world's PE/VC investment in 2015  • Foreign exchange rates in India  • S.Korean president reiterates call for DPRK's nuclear renunciation  
You are here: 　 Home

Kim holds steady at China LPGA Tour International School

Xinhua, March 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

Kim Ji-min maintained her two-stroke lead at the China LPGA Tour International Qualifying Tournament on Thursday as the South Korean carded an even-par 72 to sit two-under through 36 holes in Guangdong province.

Thailand's Chorphaka Jaengkit (72) was in second at Zhuhai Golden Gulf Golf Club, while South Korean Kim Ji-su (73) was three shots off the pace. Thai Pinrath Loomboonruang (70) was fourth at four shots back, while fellow Thai Khanphanitnan Muangkhumsakul (69) and South Korean Jeong Hye-yoon (75) were equal fifth.

With 78 players entered in the field for the 54-hole tournament, the top-30 players (excluding ties) will earn their playing card for the 2016 China LPGA Tour season, tentatively scheduled to feature 17 events.

Kim Ji-min looks almost certain to earn one of the cards as the 26-year-old continued her steady play in a round that saw her get to five-under through seven holes, only to drop three shots on her back nine.

"Today feels better. My putting was hot with three birdies in a row on holes five, six and seven." he said. "I feel comfortable playing here; the weather and the course fit me very well. I just focus on my game and keep playing as I planned. Hope I can do it again in the final day."

Kanphanitnan, the top-ranked player in the field this week at World No. 243, bounced back from an opening round 78. The Thai has picked up an impressive 10 titles, including eight on her home circuit and two in Chinese Taipei, since turning pro in 2013.

"It's my first time to play in Zhuhai. The course condition is very good. My aim this week is Top 30. I'm changing my swing these days, so my swing is not stable in recent days. That's why I shot 78 yesterday," said Kanphanitnan.

"Today, I'm not satisfied with my performance as well. Hope tomorrow will be better. I'd like to play in China, because I feel relaxed and I can get a difference experience at the different places of China when I play on the China LPGA Tour."

China LPGA Tour International Qualifying Tournament leading second round scores:

142 - Kim Ji-min (South Korea) 70-72

144 - Chorphaka Jaengkit (Thailand) 72-72

145 - Kim Ji-su (South Korea) 72-73

146 - Pinrath Loomboonruang (Thailand) 76-70

147 - Khanphanitnan Muangkhumsakul (Thailand) 78-69, Jeong Hye-yoon (South Korea) 72-75

148 - Joo Ga-eun (South Korea) 79-69, Dussavi Soopimjit (Thailand) 77-71

Endit