Ko, Hataoka share LA Open lead at demanding Wilshire CC
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jin Younger Ko had 5 back-nine birdies in a 7-under 64 at demanding Wilshire Nation Membership for a share of the second-round lead Friday with Nasa Hataoka within the DIO Implant LA Open.
5 strokes behind first-round chief Alison Lee after a 71, the top-ranked Ko moved into place for her second victory of the season within the first of two straight LPGA Tour occasions within the Los Angeles space.
“My placing was so good at present,” Ko stated. “I wasn’t anticipating to play very well at present as a result of within the afternoon it’s all the time onerous to play this course. However my placing was good, so I’m pleased with it.”
Hataoka birdied her closing three holes for a 68 to match Ko at 7 below.
Defending champion Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., taking part in alongside Ko, shot 76-72 to overlook the minimize.
Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., was 3 over after a 71. Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., was 18 over after an 83.
After dropping a stroke on the par-4 ninth, Ko birdied Nos. 11-14 and added her eighth birdie of the day on the par-4 seventeenth.
“I didn’t suppose I performed 5 below on the again 9,” Ko stated. “I didn’t know that. I used to be within the zone.”
The 26-year-old South Korean star gained in Singapore early final month for her thirteenth LPGA Tour title. She gained 5 occasions final yr.
“I’ve two extra rounds and no person is aware of the way it goes,” Ko stated. “So working onerous and concentrate on it and go get it”
Hataoka had seven birdies and 4 bogeys. The 23-year-old from Japan has 5 LPGA Tour victories, successful twice final season.
“The wind was fairly sturdy,” Hayaoka stated. “The greens are fairly tight, slim. So my plan was to hit the inexperienced, not attempt to be too aggressive. On the again 9, the wind sort of bought weaker, so I used to be capable of hit on the pin.”
Hannah Inexperienced was third at 5 below after a bogey-free 67. The Australian gained her two LPGA Tour titles in 2019.
“I’m more than happy,” Inexperienced stated. “I assume at present’s spherical sort of felt like much more below par than what it was. I used to be fairly stable with my placing all day at present which was good as a result of yesterday I had a pair three-putts.”
Fellow Australian Minjee Lee, the 2019 winner, had a 68 to match Haeji Kang (69) at 4 below. Inbee Park (67) topped the group at 3 below.
“You’ve bought to essentially watch out the way you play the holes — and you may’t get too grasping,” Park stated. “Despite the fact that the course is brief, it’s simply actually robust.”
Lee was 2 below, following her opening 66 with a 74.
The Palos Verdes Championship is subsequent week.
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