Jakarta: The direct competition was hot in the first round of the Simone Asia Pacific Cup at Pondok Indah Golf Course, Jakarta, Thursday (18/8/2022). So Yeon Ryu from South Korea immediately shot to the top of the standings with 65 strokes or 7 under par. Only one stroke difference from Princess Mary Superal (Philippines) and Lydia Ko (New Zealand) who followed in T2 position. Another Korean golfer, Bomee Lee followed with 65 strokes or 5 under par. LPGA player Patcharajutar Kongkraphan (Thailand). While Kokona Sakurai (Japan) occupies the T5 position with a score of 2 under par. “To be honest I was a little nervous this morning. I came late from Korea because I’ve been back to Korea for a long time,” said So Yeon, who birdied on holes 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 13, and 18. “But, everything paid off with Bomee Lee. Playing with him helped me to be more relaxed. My putting was very good today and I was able to play without bogeys,” said So Yeon. The 32-year-old has won three LPGA titles, namely Ana Inspiration 2017, Canadian Pacific Women’s Open 2014, and US Women’s Open 2011. According to him, the green in Pondok Indah is very green. He said that he was greatly helped by the caddy who really understands the green field. “I was greatly helped by Kedi in reading green. I’m trying to understand the green here and finally I can play with confidence,” said So Yeon. According to him, the weather today is very hot. But he can still focus on the game because he can enjoy playing with Bomee.
Lydia Ko and Princess Mary Superal are tied for second at 6 under with matching 66s. LPGA Lydia Ko gets an eagle at the last hole 18, with four birdies and thirteen pars. Followed by a lot of spectators 25-year-old New Zealand still can enjoyed the golf courses even with the hot weather.
Pairing with Hongkong Tiffany Chan & Virginie Ding, and her Philippines teammates Pauline De Rosario , Superal has a smooth birdies at hole 7 with beautiful chip from bunker, 25-year-old Philippines has six birdies and twelve pars, and secure 3rd place for team Philippines in team leaderboard in the first day.
*Information credit to ri.co.id