Evian Masters 2012: Karine Icher happy with performance in first round
French Karine Icher looked more than thrilled in the first round of the Evian Masters 2012, as she posted a decent 70 to tie for the 19th spot on the leaderboard.
Facing a roster awash with hard-to-beat LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) stars, Icher kicked off the opening round at Evian-les-Bains in an amazing style as she did not let her nerve rattle her at
all.
One of the few French contenders in the field, Icher started her round with a birdie. An early birdie boosted her confidence, but she faltered on the next hole and ended up recording a bogey.
The French star drained her second birdie on the par-4 3rd hole and let down her fans yet again after she carded another bogey. Icher regained her composure and shot birdies on the 6th,
8th and 9th hole.
On the back nine, the French golfer could not impress the local crowd as all she could do was bogey the 16th hole. Yet, the underdog played a far better game than most of the big names.
Current world number one Yani Tseng and number two Na Yeon Choi played below average as they tied for 90th and 80th position respectively.
Analysts said that Icher has certainly beaten the odds, but she will have to face an even tougher competition in the second and third round. With Asian players bent on taking another LPGA trophy home, it has
become crucial for European contenders to do their best and end their victory drought of the tournament.
Speaking to the media about what it feels like to play an event in her country, Icher said that she is happy about it, as she had to play carefully because the French spectators pinned their hopes on her.
“Happy to be in France. Happy to play in front of my friends and fans and family, so that's cool,” she said. “Played well. Very good driving. Very happy with my tee shots today. Good putting. Just disappointing
about the end of the course, 15, 16. 15 I miss like six‑foot putt for birdie; 16 I missed my shot on the right side so I was dead. So maybe two shot here otherwise would be minus‑4 so it would be great”.
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