Park leads, Ariya makes cut in China
Ariya Jutanugarn carded a moderate 71 yesterday to make the cut and advance to the weekend rounds with a total four-under-par 140, seven shots of the lead in the World Ladies Championship at Mission Hills Haikou in Hainan, China.
The Thai teenage rookie sank a bogey on the fourth hole before rebounding to shoot birdies on the seventh and 18th in the second round. She settled in 12th place, while South Korean Inbee Park, winner of the Honda LPGA Thailand a fortnight ago, carded a 65 for the clubhouse lead of 11-under-par 133, at press time.
Two strokes behind at lone second was Carlota Ciganda of Spain after hitting the day’s lowest of 63 for total 10-under 134. Third place was shared by Norway’s Suzann Pettersen and Italy’s Veronica Zori, each with a 137.
Els hopes for Thailand boost
South African star Ernie Els said he was looking for a positive showing at this month’s Chiang Mai Golf Classic to help launch his season, organisers said yesterday.
The reigning British Open champion will headline the field at the $750,000 event from March 28-31, along with fellow major-winners Michael Campbell and YE Yang.
“It’s still the early part of the season and it would be great to get a good result as that will give me great confidence for the year ahead,” said Els, 43.
Els’s best result so far this year is tied 13th at last month’s Northern Trust Open in California. Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, a three-time winner of the Asian Tour order of merit, will lead the local charge at his home event.
