thitikul Maintains Lead at CME Group tour Championship, Korda Charges
Naples, FL - The battle for the $4 million winner’s check at the CME Group Tour championship intensified Friday, with Thailand’s Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul holding a commanding lead and Nelly Korda making a significant move. This season-ending LPGA event at Tiburon Golf Club is shaping up to be a thrilling finish.
Thitikul’s Dominant Performance
Thailand’s world No. 1, Atthaya Thitikul, continued her stellar play with a remarkable 9-under-par 63. Consequently, she extended her lead to three strokes at 14-under 130 overall. She’s aiming to become only the second player to win the Tour Championship in back-to-back years,following Jin-young ko’s victories in 2020 and 2021.
“Still had no complaint with like a bogey-free and then nine birdies, so I’ll take it,” Thitikul shared with a smile.
Thitikul understands the level of play required to win.She knows past champions have consistently finished well below par.
The Contenders Emerge
Several players are within striking distance of Thitikul, setting the stage for a dramatic weekend.
* Sei Young Kim (south korea): Alone in second place at 11-under after a solid 66.
* Nasa hataoka (Japan) & Somi Lee (South Korea): Tied for third at 10-under, with rounds of 67 and 70 respectively.
* Nelly korda (USA): Made a significant leap with an 8-under 64,now tied for fifth.
* Minjee Lee (Australia),Brooke M. Henderson (Canada),& Pajaree Anannarukarn (Thailand): All carded 67s to join Korda at 9-under.
Korda’s Resurgent Round
Nelly Korda, a former world no. 1, delivered a much-needed performance. She recorded nine birdies and just one bogey, signaling a return to form after a season impacted by injuries.
“It’s definitely great, especially after yesterday, being a little frustrated,” Korda explained. “Coming back out here this morning, you know, the conditions were great. the wind wasn’t really that strong. I was able to be really aggressive after a lot of these pins and rolled some putts in.”
Kim’s Back Nine Surge
Sei Young Kim’s round was fueled by a hot streak on the back nine. She made five birdies with a bogey in a six-hole stretch,adding another birdie at the 17th.
Kim admitted she needed a spark after falling behind Thitikul. “I was like, ‘Oh, I need something,'” she said. “Yeah, I try to make them a lot of birdies, especially back nine.So, yeah, I got the fire back nine.”
Othre Notable Performances
Several other players are positioned to make a run at the title.
* Jennifer Kupcho & Lydia Ko: Both at 7-under after rounds of 68.
* Charley Hull: At 6-under following a 69.
* Maja Stark & lottie Woad: Both at 5-under after matching 69s.
What’s at Stake?
The CME Group Tour Championship boasts a considerable $11 million prize purse. The winner will receive a remarkable $4 million, making it one of the most lucrative events in women’s golf. You can expect a fierce competition as players vie for the title and the life-changing reward.
This tournament promises a captivating conclusion to the LPGA season.You won’t want to miss the final rounds as these top players battle for glory.
