Korean Has Sights on First LPGA Win

Chung Il-mi (Giga Golf) finished second on the first day of the LPGA season-ending ADT Championship; a very good start to what could be her long-awaited first LGPA victory.

On November 17, Chung Il-mi finished at 3-under 69, one shot off leader Ai Miyazato, after the first round at Trump International (par 72) in West Palm Beach, Florida.

After the round, Chung said, “Who knows who will win in the end. I am just happy to be playing among the top 32.” Since her debut into the LPGA in 2004, she has yet to win.

Other Korean golfers played fairly, with Kim Mi-hyun (KTF) placed fourth (2-under), and Pak Se-ri (CJ) came in seventh (1-under). But Annika Sorenstam (Sweden) struggled, ending the first day in the 18th spot with 2-over.

Lorena Ochoa, a winning favorite, also struggled, coming in at 22nd place with 3-over in the opening round. She is currently on top of the money list, but the rankings could change depending on the outcome of this championship.

The top 32 players are selected according to their season performances. The field is cut to 16 players after the first and second round. Another eight are cut from the third round. The final eight will play 18 holes to win the championship. The winner will receive $1 million.

ysahn@donga.com