A tough day on the golf course: Choi maintains lead after two rounds of LPGA Shanghai

Shanghai (AP) — Hye-Jin Choi overcame challenging scoring conditions on Friday to post a 2-over 74 and maintain a two-stroke lead in the LPGA Shanghai tournament after two rounds. Seeking her maiden win on the LPGA Tour, which would complement her 12 victories in South Korea, Choi's two-round total was 6-under 138. After the first round, she led by three strokes.

Sheshan Golf Club, known for its lengthy par-4 holes and uneven greens, posed difficulties on Friday, resulting in only a few rounds under par. Amy Yang (71) and Grace Kim (72) trailed by two strokes, while defending champion Jeeno Thitikul, who secured her title in a five-hole playoff over Minami Katsu in 2025, shot a 73 and was tied for seventh, four strokes behind.

Thitikul won the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii earlier this month, securing her fourth LPGA triumph of the season and her 11th overall win. This Shanghai tournament marks the first of four on the late-season Asian Swing on the LPGA Tour, with additional events set to take place in South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan over the coming three weeks.