Kim Thirsty of Championship

Will "Super-Shortie" Kim Mi-hyun grab her first championship this season? Or, will the powerful Annika Sorenstom win the title at her third trial this season. Sorenstom has failed twice this year.

The result will come out at the end of the US LPGA Tour Office Depot Championship, which got started in California.

Until wrapping up the round 2, Kim performed 5 birdies and 1 bogey up to the 17th hole, ranking jointly at 2nd. Prior to the day, she was just at 30. Sorenstom exceed Kim by a 2-shot difference.

Starting the round 2 in the 10th (par 3), Kim was about to hit her second shot on the fairway in the 9th (par 4), when the sunrise siren went off. Thus, Kim will face difficulty in maintaining her physical condition. She has to wake up early in the morning to finish up the remaining round, leaving less time for her to recover from fatigue than her powerful opponent Sorenstom.

Yesterday, Kim showed her best performance this season. For example, she lost the green only in one hole. Kim is also expected to benefit from the structure of this championship. This one consists of only three rounds.

On the other hand, Sorenstom, who led the tournament for two days, got "halted." She shot four birdies and as much bogeys. Even the birdies were not so accurate, all landing 4m from the cup.

Se Ri Pak, in the meanwhile, advanced to the 6th spot, leaving a hope she might win the title for the second consecutive year.

Kraft Nabisco Championship-winner Patricia Meunier-Lebouc is about to get dropped off due to her "malfunction."

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com