Park, Ciganda seize lead at HSBC Women’s Champions

SINGAPORE — World No 2 Park In-bee maintained her consistent form at the US$1.4 million HSBC Women’s Champions golf tournament today (March 6), firing a 3-under 69 to finish as joint-leader with Spain’s Carlota Ciganda with a two-round total of 135 at the Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course.

Ciganda, ranked 45th in the world, had emerged from the chasing pack, shooting a 66.

Another Spaniard, Azahara Munoz, is two strokes behind on 137.

World No 1 Lydia Ko of New Zealand also kept herself in contention for the US$210,000 winner’s cheque with a 2-under 70 to finish the second day in a four-way tie with American Stacy Lewis, South Korea’s Jenny Shin and Australian Karrie Webb in third at 138.

“Overall, everything tee-to-green was perfect today as well,” said Park. “I missed about nine, 10 opportunities (for birdie). I hit the ball great today, but it could have been a much better day.”

Taiwan’s Yani Tseng, the joint-leader with Park after the first round on Thursday, had a disappointing outing with three bogeys to finish in a four-way tie for sixth at 141.

The tournament, which features up to 63 of the world’s top women golfers from the previous season and offers a winner’s cheque of US$210,000, ends this Sunday.