Katsu had a special round herself at the Shanghai LPGA event, firing an magical 11-under 61 on Friday. That amazing round launched her to even greater triumph. She took a strong total score of 17-under 199 into the weekend on the heels of making it through 54 holes. Entering the championship’s final round on Sunday, Katsu has a two-shot cushion ahead of her nearest pursuers.
On Saturday, Katsu kept her foot on the gas pedal, firing a clean 4-under 68. There was wonder in her once-flameout resilience as she buried a 20-foot putt on 18. This stunning play reaffirmed her hold on the top spot in the tournament. Off the back of this performance, she has firmly situated herself among first-time LPGA title threats.
Just last month, Australia’s Minjee Lee earned her third major championship victory at June’s Women’s PGA Championship. Today, she’s in a second place tie. She had an admirable 65 on Saturday and capped off that round with a birdie on her final hole. Lee’s delight after the round was evident, saying,
“I had a little bit of a slow start, so it’s nice to reel off some birdies in the middle there and end up with a nice score to be contending for tomorrow.”
Tied with Lee in second is Jeeno Thitikul, who is ranked No. 1 in the world. Thitikul was rock solid on Saturday, carding a 66. With both players still within striking distance of Katsu, all eyes were on an exciting final round.
The LPGA Shanghai tournament which starts the first of five very exciting tournaments all within Asia. Look for continued action here, with more events coming to South Korea, including the exciting International Crown team match play format. Further tournaments are set to be staged in Malaysia and Japan, underscoring the increasing excitement surrounding women’s golf throughout the area.
Katsu is also preparing for the home stretch. Naturally, no one will be more excited to see if she can maintain her lead and infuse new life into the title. With Lee and Thitikul hot on her heels, it should be an exciting race!
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