Yani Tseng ties for 19th in first round of Mizuno Classic 2012
Current world number one Yani Tseng registered a 71 in the first round of Mizuno Classic 2012 to tie for the 19th position on the leaderboard.
Tseng is being regarded as the hot favourite for the three-day LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) tournament, being played at Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club, Shima-s**+, Mie, Japan.
The top-ranked prodigy started her round in a jittery style as she parred the first two holes and carded a bogey on the par-4 third. She, however, drained her first birdie on the 7th
to give her some space in the lineup.
On the back nine, she tried to move ahead with the help of two birdies and an eagle, but three bogeys put a damper on her spirits, marring her scorecard.
Tseng has been facing a performance slump these days, but the last two LPGA tournaments saw her show some agility as she finished third.
However, in Japan, fans are expecting her improve further and pull herself completely together.
Since every single tournament is important to players, Tseng is making certain that she remains in contention till the final moment of the prestigious tournament.
South Korean Jiyai Shin and Japanese Ayako Uehara performed the best as they surged past all the contenders in the roster after they both shot a 68 each to share the first-round lead.
On the other hand, American Stacy Lewis could not do what her fans had anticipated as she posted a 71 to take the share of 19th position along with 10 other contenders.
Lewis is currently leading the Rolex Player of the Year list, but she may lose her position if her nearest rival Inbee Park wins this week.
However, the American star enjoys a much safer position in world rankings as she currently stands second.
“There’s something’s that I didn’t really expect would come and it’s been a whole kind of learning experience for me,” Lewis said during her pre-tournament interview with the LPGA Tour.
She conceded that she has not been able to display her best form in Asia, but is trying to work on her flaws. “I didn’t play very well these last couple weeks in Asia, but I’ve kind of found
my game again and I feel good coming into this week”.
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