05/15/26 06:40:00
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05/15 18:38 CDT Ko and Doherty lead in Cincinnati, with Korda 3 back in bid for
3rd straight win
Ko and Doherty lead in Cincinnati, with Korda 3 back in bid for 3rd straight win
CINCINNATI (AP) --- Jin Young Ko and Amanda Doherty each shot 4-under 66 on
Friday to share the second-round lead in the Kroger Queen City Championship,
with Nelly Korda three shots back in her bid for a third straight victory.
Korda had two late birdies in a 67 in the morning session at Maketewah Country
Club. She won The Chevron Championship for her third major, then followed with
a victory in Mexico before taking last week off.
"There have definitely been some loose shots," Korda said. "Not really happy
with the way I'm hitting it right now, but overall, I mean, I'm not complaining
with the position I'm in. Hopefully, I can go figure something out again on the
range after today."
Ko had a bogey-free round in the morning to reach 7-under 133 on the first-year
venue. The 30-year-old South Korean player has 15 LPGA Tour victories, winning
two majors in 2019.
"Getting older, like little more afraid and think too much," Ko said. "I'm just
trying to be like the time, like 2018 through 2021. So, brave is good key for
me, and just have fun."
Doherty had five birdies and a bogey in the afternoon session, closing with a
birdie on the par-3 18th. The 28-year-old former Florida State player is
winless on the tour. She's fighting to secure higher tour status to avoid
missing events.
"I'm really excited," Doherty said. "I'm just excited to be teeing it up this
week after reshuffling after Mexico. I'm going in with that mindset I think and
just happy to be here and happy to be playing."
Lottie Woad was a stroke back after a 64. She played the first 10 holes in 6
under. Lydia Ko, playing alongside Korda and Jeeno Thitikul, was another shot
back after a 67.
Korda and Thitikul (67) were 4 under with Jennifer Kupcho (66), Chella Choi
(70) and Rio Takeda (70). Thitikul won the Mizuho Americas Open last week in
New Jersey
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
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