Karin Sjodin finishes outside top 10 at LPGA Hana Bank Championship
Swedish Karin Sjodin was more than happy when she made a strong start in the first round of LPGA Hana Bank Championship, but all her plans backfired as she settled for a tie of the 13th position after shooting an overall 210.
She got off to a relatively faster start in the opening round at Ocean Course, Incheon, South Korea, as she posted a 64.
However, the Swedish star could not maintain her momentum in the second round and tainted her scorecard by carding an unimpressive 75.
Kicking off the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) tournament where most of the spectators rooted for South Koreans and other Asian contenders, it was not easy for Sjodin to hold her nerve.
In addition, her confidence gradually waned after she shot two bogeys and one double bogey on the back nine of second round.
Commentators said that it is not surprising that a player like Sjodin, who, although, has not won any LPGA title in her pro career so far, could make a fiery start in South Korea.
She played almost as good as any big name, but her flawed putting in the second round hampered her from advancing on the leaderboard.
Other contenders who did well in the three-round tournament include Norwegian Suzann Pettersen and Scottish Catriona Matthew.
Pettersen, who is one of the most prominent golfers on the LPGA Tour, stunned the spectators and rivals in the line-up, as she beat Matthew in the playoff by launching a birdie on the third extra hole.
Matthew also displayed a superb performance in all the three rounds, making the most of favourable weather conditions and plenty of crowd support, although both the winner and the runner-up were non-Asians.
Sharing her thoughts at the end of the final round on Sunday, Pettersen said that she was happy with her performance, and the course was also perfect for the weather conditions.
“I thought the course was playing quite similar. The wind was not as high as it was yesterday. It was a little breezy, came out of the same direction, so quite familiar with that part,” the winner said.
“Other than that, I think the greens have been fantastic all week. They've been rolling really pure, very speedy at times”.
Tags: