Mizuno Classic 2012: Momoko Ueda loses momentum in second round
Defending champion Momoko Ueda could not maintain a grip on her game in the second round of Mizuno Classic 2012, as she fired a 72.
Despite shooting a 72, Ueda still stands tied for the 8th position on the leaderboard, but will have to make an all-out effort to rise to the top in the final round on Sunday.
The tournament is being staged at the Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club, Shima-s**+, Mie, Japan, with massive support from the spectators who are convinced Japanese players will once again
win here.
Ueda displayed a stellar performance in the opening round on Friday as she posted a 69 on the back of five birdies. However, she could not maintain her momentum on Saturday, missing several
good chances that could have helped her improve her position.
She started the second round with confidence, but her strokes lacked the vitality that could fire birdies. She parred the first six holes in a row and shot her lone birdie on the par-5 7th.
On the back nine, her performance further deteriorated as all she could do was card a bogey and score pars.
Commentators said that Ueda is still the hot favourite for her title and can bounce back on Sunday—if she does not repeat the same mistakes once again.
South Korean Bo-Mee Lee proved to be the toughest contender in the second round as she shot a sizzling 64 to take the solo lead. On the other hand, Rikako Morita of Japan also grabbed the
opportunity, shooting a 68 to take the second spot.
Ueda said at the end of the first round that winds played havoc, which made it hard to stay focused on some holes.
“I have never experienced such strong wind at this course,” the defending champion said. “At first I thought today is going to be a tough round but after the birdies at 5th and 7th, and the
birdie comeback on the 9th after the bogey on 8th. My motives were high and I managed to keep myself on a good momentum”.
She went on to say that she will try to stick to her usual playing style. “I just like playing aggressively. But I do feel really comfortable playing in this course and I love most of the
holes in this course”.
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