AMY YANG LOOKING FOR WINNING CHANCE
Two of three-time LPGA Tour winner Amy Yang’s wins were made in Chonburi, Thailand at Siam C.C. in alternating years, 2015 and 2017. Also, her first LPGA Tour career was in 2013 at the LPGA KEB-HanaBank Championship. After hitting a hot streak during the second round on Friday, Yang is in prime position to make another bid for a win at the 2019 Honda LPGA Thailand.
“You know, I think I putted really good. I mean, I made some couple mistakes out there, you know, two-, three-putted, and missed short eagle putt here, but I was putting really good overall, hitting it solid. Just felt comfortable out there,” said Yang after carding one of the day’s low round of 66.
When asked of her 2019 goals, Yang revealed her desire to win in this odd-numbered year, not once but twice.
“You know what? Actually, I have never had more than one win in a year. I want to break that record this year.”
LIZETTE SALES MAKES A STRONG STATEMENT IN THAILAND
Lizette Salas is making her seventh Honda LPGA Thailand appearance this week and a strong one at that. Her offseason strength training is paying off in the high humidity and heat.
“We went a little heavy on the weights with my trainer. Coming [to Thailand], you can definitely see the endurance and how you need to be focused both mentally and physically. With my score, you can see that,” said Salas making a steady charge with a bogey-free 4-under 68 for an overall -10 through 36 holes.
Salas moved three spots up the leaderboard on Friday from T5 to T2, narrowing the gap between herself and Round 2 leader Jenny Shin (-11). Salas will tee off with Shin and Australian Minjee Lee (-10) in the final group on No. 1 at 10:10 a.m. for Round 3.
MINJEE LEE KEEPS HER COOL GOING INTO THE WEEKEND
World No. 7 Minjee Lee maintained her T2 position on the leaderboard through 36 holes, posting a second-round 3-under 69 on Friday. Lee’s round consisted of five birdies and two bogeys, hitting nine of 14 fairways and 16 of 18 greens.
“I'm pretty sure I'm hitting it a little closer so I've got more looks at birdies,” said the 22-year-old Australian. “Yeah, a couple more putts are dropping and [I’m] getting a little bit more confidence.”
Lee’s best finish at the Honda LPGA Thailand is fourth place (2018), where she finished seven strokes behind defending champion Jessica Korda, who set the tournament scoring record of -25.
“I'm just going to play my game,” said Lee who is one stroke shy of the lead. “It's so hot out here, I think you can only focus on your own game… I’m just going to go back and just hydrate and chill out.”