Hamilton Farm Golf Club
Gladstone, N.J.
Saturday, May 22, 2010 Quarterfinal Notes and Interviews
The matches are set for the semifinal round at the Sybase Match Play Championship at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, New Jersey. Rolex Rankings No. 1 Jiyai Shin will take on Sun-Young Yoo, while Rolex Rankings No. 10 Angela Stanford will face Amy Yang. Yoo scored the only upset of the quarterfinal round by defeating Rolex Rankings No. 4 Yani Tseng. The winner this week will receive a first-place prize of $375,000, while the runner-up will cash $225,000. Two players will advance to the championship match tomorrow afternoon. The remaining two will play a consolation match. The winner of the consolation match will earn $150,000, while the runner-up will receive $112,500.
The road to the semifinals:
Jiyai Shin (1) defeated Kyeong Bae (42), Hee-Won Han (32), Beatriz Recari (62) and Michelle Wie (8).Sun Young Yoo (28) defeated Karen Stupples (34), Cristie Kerr (5), Song-Hee Kim (12) and Yani Tseng (4)Angela Stanford (10) defeated Amy Hung (59), Pat Hurst (41), Amanda Blumenherst (55) and Catriona Matthew (15)Amy Yang (30) defeated Michele Redman (39), Juli Inkster (35), Morgan Pressel (14) and Haeji Kang (61)
Sun Young Yoo is the unsung hero so far this week. The lowest-seeded player she faced was No. 34 Karen Stupples. Yoo, who has missed three cuts this year, eliminated three players in the top-12 of the Rolex Rankings.
The first match out tomorrow morning will be Angela Stanford v. Amy Yang. Both players are playing well to have advanced to the semifinals. Stanford is a three-time LPGA winner, while Yang is looking to become the first Rolex First-Time winner of 2010. Yang has one victory on the Ladies European Tour. She won the 2006 ANZ Ladies Masters as an amateur at the age of 16, becoming the youngest player to ever win on the LET. Yang’s best LPGA finish is a T3 at the 2009 CVS/Pharmacy LPGA Challenge. Stanford, whose last win was the 2009 SBS Open at Turtle Bay, has played on three U.S. Solheim Cup teams. Yang has limited match-play experience.
Statistically, Stanford and Yang are very close. Stanford ranks 22nd on the 2010 LPGA money list, while Yang ranks 19th. Yang carries a slightly lower scoring average than Stanford, 71.35 to Stanford’s 71.83. Yang leads Stanford in putting statistics, while Stanford holds the advantage in greens in regulation and fairways hit. Yang is third in greens in regulation putting average and 21st in putting average. Stanford is 28th and 38th respectively. Stanford ranks 27th in fairways hit and 30th in greens in regulation, while Yang ranks 107th and 50th respectively.
The second match will feature Rolex Rankings No. 1 Jiyai Shin v. Sun Young Yoo. Most expect Shin to win this match-up, but match play can bring out the best in a player. Sun Young Yoo is making quite a statement this week at the Sybase Match Play Championship. She has delivered upset after upset and will now face her toughest challenger in the world’s number one Jiyai Shin. Shin has six LPGA victories, including one major championship, the 2008 Ricoh Women’s British Open. She was the 2009 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year and led the LPGA money list in 2009. Yoo has never won on the LPGA tour. Her best finish is a T2 at the 2009 P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship Presented by John Q. Hammons. She lost in a three-way playoff between Shin and Angela Stanford. Shin was the eventual winner in that event.
Shin leads Yoo in every statistical category but one. Yoo is currently 74th in driving distance, while Shin ranks 117th.
Quarterfinal Match Wrap
Kathy Whitworth bracket
Jiyai Shin (1) v. Michelle Wie (8) Shin def. Wie 2&1
Rolex Rankings No. 1 Jiyai Shin defeated Michelle Wie in a hard fought battle. Shin and Wie tied eight of the first ten holes. Wie took a 1 UP lead with a birdie on the par-3 12th. Shin bounced back with a birdie on the par-4 13th to get the match back to even. They halved the 14th before Shin won both the 15th and 16th holes. Shin closed-out the match on the 17th.
Mickey Wright bracket
Catriona Matthew (15) v. Angela Stanford (10) Stanford def. Matthew 5&3
Rolex Rankings No. 10 Angela Stanford defeated match-play stalwart Catriona Matthew by a margin of 5&3. Matthew started the match by winning two of the first three holes, but Stanford bounced back at the fourth, winning that hole with a par. She then ran the tables on Matthew, winning the eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh. She closed-out the match with a par on the par-4 15th.
Annika Sorenstam bracket
Amy Yang (30) v. Haeji Kang (61) Yang def. Kang 1 UP
Amy Yang continued her strong play this week with a 1 UP victory over Haeji Kang. Kang, who was the lowest ranked player to advance to the quarterfinals, never held the lead against Yang. Each time Yang won two holes, Kang would bounce back taking two holes of her own. The match went all the way to the 18th hole before a winner was decided. Yang birdied the par-5 18th to advance to the semifinals.
Patty Berg Bracket
Yani Tseng (4) v. Sun Young Yoo (28) Yoo def. Tseng 2&1
Yoo upset another top-ranked player by defeating Rolex Rankings No. 4 Yani Tseng. Yoo eliminated Rolex Rankings No. 5 Cristie Kerr and No. 12 Song-Hee Kim in the second and third round respectively. Yoo jumped off to a good start against Tseng, winning three of the first five holes. Tseng and Yoo proceeded to tie the next five holes before Yoo won the par-5 11th with a bogey to extend her lead to 3 UP. She then won the 14th with a par. Tseng won 15 and 16, but it was not enough to catch Yoo. Yoo won the match on the 17th hole.
JIYAI SHIN (def. Michelle Wie 2 & 1)
MODERATOR: Congratulations on your afternoon win. We know it was a long day. You defeated Michelle Wie 2 & 1 and you’ll play Sun Young Yoo in the morning. If you can just talk about this afternoon match a little bit. I know you had the two birdies on the back 9, if you want to talk about the last two birdies.
JIYAI SHIN: Okay. Well, thank you for coming in. Well, this match was so big match. Actually, before I saw the paring with Michelle, I really -- I was worried because she is a long hitter and I'm not. But then in the afternoon, they have lots of wind, too, so a little bit get more pressure. Well, when I finish on the 13th hole, I still -- lost one hole, but I still waiting for my chance and then I made a couple more and I get it.
Q. She makes that long putt on the par 3, number 12. What does that get you thinking? Does that get you thinking, jeez, I've got to get it right back, or were you patient waiting for your opportunity?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, it was almost 10 yards, it was almost 10 yards. And then I sort of (inaudible) Michelle's ball and then my ball was very close, so I just remember her line and I just thinking by myself, okay, just follow, just follow. But I'm just amazed but it was just on 12 so (inaudible.) I'm thinking, well, this match is getting if you know. Yeah, I think that.
Q. How big was your putt at 13? She had that -- she had hit it I guess over the green and then she chipped and she looked like she was going to get par and then you were able to roll in. How long was that putt and how big was that for you to make that at 13?
JIYAI SHIN: That was almost 15 feet, yeah, a little bit uphill and hen a little bit right to left. And then she was great chip back there, but I'm thinking before before 12 hole, I didn't make birdie, so I'm thinking, well, this is my birdie chance, I had to make birdie time and I really like that lie, a little bit right to left and then uphill, so I try hit with my confidence and I made it.
Q. When you're number 1, do you think about it off the course when you're practicing, in the evening, and when you go out to play, does it put pressure to keep that number 1?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, actually not. I get more relaxed, more comfortable because number 1 was my goal all my life before, 11 years my goal and then I made my goal, so I'm more comfortable. And then -- well, I just try -- I'm thinking I have to keep for a long time, but I think just I have enough focus on the golf course, that's it. Outside the golf, just more (inaudible) right now, just more enjoying in my life.
Q. What's it, 15 and 16, she gave you two openings. Given the way the match had been going, was it really important to sort of capitalize on any opportunity she gave you?
MODERATOR: Capitalize, take advantage of, the opening she gave you, were you able to really take advantage of those moments.
JIYAI SHIN: Sorry?
MODERATOR: To take advantage of?
JIYAI SHIN: Yes, of course, because before she was played very good and then I always thinking inside the golf, we have a three times chance and three times difficult situation, and then she got a difficult situation on 15 and 16. So I was on number 10 and some other hole and I made a good save, but she missed 15, 16 and then we almost done, we have only two holes left, so I'm thinking, well, getting closer.
Q. Do you think even though you're the number 1 player in the world, you proved something today beating Michelle Wie because everybody knows Michelle and maybe, at least around here, not everybody knows how good you are?
JIYAI SHIN: Michelle -- actually, I'm not. She's already a superstar in the world. Well, I just try my -- focus on my game, that's it.
Q.I think it's more like do you want to make a name, do you want more people to know about you? A lot of people in the United States don't know you as a golfer.
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I want everybody to know me and I just need the time. I play just last couple years, so if I play here more like in a year more, I think should be getting better.
Q. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, today I didn't make mistake, so same plan for tomorrow, just keeping my focus on my game and just want to play smart, want to play smart play.
Q. What do you know about who you're playing against?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I play with Sun Young Yoo, I already played a few times, and I close to her, too. Personally (inaudible) with a Korean, but it just tournament.
MODERATOR: Do you know her well?
JIYAI SHIN: Yeah, of course. I just try my best.
Q. What kind of a player would you say she is?
JIYAI SHIN: Sorry?
Q. What kind of a player is she?
MODERATOR: What's good about her game?
JIYAI SHIN: She have a good short game, yeah, and then she also very consistent play, she have a very consistent shot every hole. I think tomorrow also a little bit tough game, but I do my best.
Q. What's the key to playing long days like this? If you're going to have to plan on playing 36 holes, what do you need to do?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, morning play, fortunately I just played 15 holes. Should be tomorrow also I try my best on the front 9 and then make play easy at the back 9 and then I just want to give my physical conditions for the afternoon, too.
Q. Is match play more mentally demanding than stroke play?
JIYAI SHIN: Yes, of course, I think so, because I just play match play just a couple times because in Korea we don't have a match play. This is my third time match play actually, so I got really pressure on every hole. It's a big different than stroke play, too.
Q. Given that it's only your third time in match play, were you nervous coming into this week on how you would do?
JIYAI SHIN: Yes, I do, and then first couple match was Korean and well, I still have a good feeling, but last week I have a good shot but my putting was a little bit bad, so match play need more good putting too. So a little bit worried and a little bit pressure, too, but it's gone already.
Q. We added it up that you've got six LPGA Tour victories and 23 international victories, so tomorrow could be your 30th professional victory. Does that seem impossible for somebody that just turned 22? Pretty amazing?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I don't think so. Well, sounds a lot, I really surprised. Well, now many young players really good. Yeah, I'm just 22 years old, but the age doesn't matter for the winning.
MICHELLE WIE
Q. On 13 you made that great chip shot and she made that long putt. Did that change things for you?
MICHELLE WIE: I just didn’t play that well coming in.
Q. What happened on 15 and 16?
MICHELLE WIE: You know, I just didn’t hit good shots there. Sometimes that happens.
Q. It looked like your tee shot on 15 landed in the same spot.
MICHELLE WIE: It was a little better. A little improvement.
Q. When she’s constantly hitting it dead straight, fairways and greens, does that make it hard?
MICHELLE WIE: If you look at my score, I didn’t play as well as I wanted to. I had a couple bogeys out there and you just can’t do that. I missed a couple of putts unfortunately but now I know what to work on. I’m going to work hard the next two weeks and get ready to win.
AMY YANG (def. Haeji Kang 1 up)
MODERATOR: We have Amy Yang here and you just won 1-up. Looks like you had a couple birdies, a couple bogeys.
AMY YANG: Yeah.
MODERATOR: How was your afternoon?
AMY YANG: I think I was a little -- a little tired. I couldn't feel it, but you know, just by swinging and just wasn't feeling good.
MODERATOR: It was a long day.
AMY YANG: Yeah, it was. I mean, I had a lot of mistakes today.
MODERATOR: A lot of mistakes, but you made it through and now you advance to tomorrow.
AMY YANG: Yeah, just, I can't -- I can't wait to play tomorrow. I might be tired when I wake up because I played like 30 holes, like 30-something holes, but I guess it will be fun.
MODERATOR: How will you prepare tonight? Rest?
AMY YANG: Yeah, definitely just resting. After dinner, I'm just going to go back to the hotel and just resting.
MODERATOR: So no practice or anything?
AMY YANG: Yeah, yeah.
MODERATOR: Just rest?
AMY YANG: Yeah.
MODERATOR: Sounds good. Is there any hole that stands out today as the most important hole?
AMY YANG: I think it was --
MODERATOR: In the afternoon match.
AMY YANG: Afternoon, yeah. 14?
MODERATOR: 14, a par 4.
AMY YANG: 15.
MODERATOR: 15 birdie?
AMY YANG: Yeah.
MODERATOR: 15 birdie, most important?
AMY YANG: Yeah, I think so because --
MODERATOR: What did you do there?
AMY YANG: Because we were all square until that hole, and you know, I made birdie on the hole. I think that made me think.
MODERATOR: What club did you hit into the green?
AMY YANG: I don't remember.
MODERATOR: Do you know how long the putt was, birdie putt?
AMY YANG: Yeah, that was like five steps, so I don't know how long.
MODERATOR: Fifteen feet.
AMY YANG: Haeji made a good birdie on the 17. If I didn't have birdie on that hole, I might lose today.
Q. Yeah. Amy, what do you like most about this course?
AMY YANG: This course? It's pretty tough. I mean, it was so tough this afternoon, it was so windy, but I like the wide fairways and I like the greens and it's really smooth and nice.
MODERATOR: How's the hospitality been this week with the food and everything inside the clubhouse? Have you enjoyed that?
AMY YANG: Yeah, it was really good. They had good food and, you know, like all the things was good.
MODERATOR: Perfect, thank you.
AMY YANG: Thank you.
ANGELA STANFORD (def. Catriona Matthew 5 & 3)
MODERATOR: Thanks for joining us. Great playing all day. It's been a long day for you. You won this morning in 20 holes, and then this afternoon defeated Catriona Matthew 5 & 3. Can you talk about the day?
ANGELA STANFORD: Sure. I knew it was going to be a tough day. I mean obviously starting out with Amanda, and then the deeper you go in this tournament, you know, you're getting people that are playing well. Amanda, you know, she's feisty and she's just -- I just knew it was going to be a tough match, and when I went 2 down on 15, I thought, well, I'm going to try to be patient and just see what happens. I was fortunate, and then made the birdie on 17 and a good second shot on 18. You know, it was just a quick turnaround, kind of felt sluggish at the end of that first one, kind of felt sluggish starting the second one. I just basically told myself to slow down because everything happens too quick. Just had to get back out there and get back into a rhythm of things.
Q. When you really got on a roll there, I think you won six of the last eight holes. Were you thinking end this quick, you can get over to City Field?
ANGELA STANFORD: Yeah, I asked my caddie on 11 what time it was and I started thinking, I'm like, I would like to -- you know, I would like to at least take a shower before we go. Yeah, but you know, at the same time I was upset with myself because I wasn't making birdie putts. I think if -- my fear was Catriona was struggling a little bit, but the longer you let somebody get up and down for par, the more their confidence and momentum builds. I was kind of frustrated that it wasn't ending faster.
Q. Given that the 20 hole start this morning, it wasn't the coolest day this afternoon, was your time off any different in terms of your routine and what you did?
ANGELA STANFORD: No, we just went up and got a quick bite to eat. By that time we just hit a few putts. I actually wanted to hit a few balls, didn't really have time. It was a quick turnaround. I haven't had to do that since my 36-hole qualifier for the Open like years ago. It's hard because mentally you have to -- you're on a high
from winning and then you've got to kind of shut it down and restart again. We just tried to get something to eat and get back out there.
Q.I was seeing some of the -- this morning some of the players were talking about getting up at 4:30 or they couldn't sleep.
ANGELA STANFORD: Yeah.
Q. How long have you been up?
ANGELA STANFORD: I got up at -- my alarm was set for 4:40 and I didn't sleep -- it's hard for those early tee times. You know, you don't want to miss your alarm or whatever so I didn't sleep real well. And apparently there was a wedding or something at the hotel, so there were people running up and down the hallways, so I didn't sleep much.
Q. Clue us in on City Field.
ANGELA STANFORD: I'm a Ranger fan, I'm from Texas. Yeah, I'm cheering for the Mets tonight, plus David Wright's kind of cute.
Q. Could you straighten him out?
ANGELA STANFORD: You know, if they would let me have some time with him, I probably could.
Q. Can you talk a little bit about the shape the course is in and the hospitality this week?
ANGELA STANFORD: Oh, yeah. You know, it's awesome to have Sybase on our schedule because you know it's going to be a first-class event. This golf course is immaculate. I mean, they've done a great job. I Tweeted earlier this week, I don't know if I was asleep in '05 and '06, I don't know what I thought was wrong with this golf course, apparently it was me, but it's beautiful. It's a great championship golf course. Everybody, the members, they've been so accommodating and just very friendly. It's been a great week.
Q. Being one of the new guys, could you take this opportunity to talk just a little bit about the foundation of where you’re going as opposed --
ANGELA STANFORD: The foundation for this --
Q. Yes, your foundation.
ANGELA STANFORD: Oh, my foundation. Oh, the Angela Stanford Foundation. Well, it just went official at the beginning of the year and it's going to be -- we're focused on four different organizations starting out: The Lena Pope Home, that's in Ft. Worth, that's the foster care organization in Ft. Worth; MHMR of Tarrant County; the First Tee of Ft. Worth; and North Texas PGA. Really focusing on kids and just, you know, people that have always kind of had the cards stacked against them and haven't had many opportunities. You know, golf has given me so much, so I'm trying to give back to those organizations to help those kids. You know, eventually, long term, obviously we would love to do scholarships for kids to go to college.
MODERATOR: Anything else? Thank you.
ANGELA STANFORD: Thanks.
SUN YOUNG YOO (def. Yani Tseng 2 & 1)
MODERATOR: Congratulations on winning this afternoon, good match. You won 2 & 1, defeating Yani Tseng. Can you talk about the match a little bit?
SUN YOUNG YOO: I played really good out there today and I was leading from the front 9, so I felt pretty good, I felt really comfortable out there.
MODERATOR: And let's see, you birdied -- do you know how many birdies you had in the afternoon?
SUN YOUNG YOO: Not too many, maybe three, four. Actually, I can't remember.
MODERATOR: That's okay.
SUN YOUNG YOO: We played 36 holes today.
MODERATOR: Yes, that was a long day. How do you feel? Are you tired?
SUN YOUNG YOO: I'm really tired right now and I want to go rest and get ready for tomorrow.
MODERATOR: Is there anything special you're going to do tonight to prepare?
SUN YOUNG YOO: No, just rest.
MODERATOR: Get a good dinner?
SUN YOUNG YOO: Yeah.
Topics: Notes and Interviews, Sybase Match Play Championship
