Former champ Kim A-lim in six-way tie for US Women's Open lead
Former champ Kim A-lim in six-way tie for US Women's Open lead
CHICAGO – Former champion Kim A-lim is keeping her focus, as she fired six birdies in a four-under 68 to headline a group of six tied atop the leaderboard after the first round of US Women's Open on May 29.
Fellow South Korean Im Jin-hee, Japan's Rio Takeda, Americans Yealimi Noh and Angel Yin and Spanish LPGA rookie Julia Lopez Ramirez shared the lead, one stroke in front of another group of five players.
Kim said she would not expend her energy worrying about who might be in striking distance.
'Honestly, I'm not thinking about (the) leaderboard because my job is process, not result,' said Kim, who won the 2020 US Open in her Major championship debut.
'Next three days, I play the same thing as today – focus on my line, hit it. That's all.'
With little wind, Erin Hills, the rolling 6,829-yard par-72 layout in Erin, Wisconsin, offered perhaps its most benign face for the first round of the first US Women's Open to be held there.
Noh, who holed out for an eagle at the 14th and birdied the par-five 18th, called it a 'good scoring day'.
But plenty of marquee names were unable to join the 33 players to shoot under par.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda was playing catchup after a bogey at the third, finally getting to even par 72 with a birdie at the par-five 18th.
Defending champion Yuka Saso's bid for a third US Open title in five seasons got off to a rocky start with a two-over 74.
World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand opened with a three-over 75 while third-ranked Lydia Ko of New Zealand – whose resume includes three Major titles but no US Open – posted a one-over 73.
'I think I'm happy with it,' Korda said. 'Obviously, I wish the ball found the bottom of the cup a little bit more.
'First day of the US Open, it's all about patience. I'm striking it pretty well, so hopefully I can carry that into the next couple days.'
In men's golf, Ben Griffin, fresh from his triumph in Texas last week, fired a seven-under 65 to grab a two-shot lead after the first round of the Memorial Tournament at Dublin, Ohio.
He ended his round in superb style with three straight birdies which left him with a two-stroke advantage over fellow American Collin Morikawa.
'I was kind of building on what I kind of was doing last week, making a ton of birdies, staying aggressive,' Griffin said. AFP
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Brazil's tactical balance tested as Colombia rematch looms in Copa America final
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Brazil have cruised into the Women's Copa America final with dominant scorelines and solid performances, but their biggest challenge awaits in Saturday's rematch against Colombia, a side determined to dethrone the defending champions. Arthur Elias's team has not leaned on star power to reach the final. Instead, Brazil's run has been defined by tactical balance: a disciplined backline, coordinated pressing, sharp execution on set pieces, and exploiting their opponent's defensive miscues. Their success is largely down to a core of new figures, such as Amanda Gutierres, who is the leading scorer for the team in the tournament with five goals and plays a central role in attack. Her brace in their semi-final win over Uruguay underscored her sharp positioning and composure in front of goal. "Hard work pays off," the Palmeiras striker said after the 5-1 victory. "Nothing is forced, everything happens at the right moment." Meanwhile, the experience of Marta continues to anchor the group. The veteran playmaker, who returned from international retirement for this tournament, was named MVP in the semi-final after a standout performance, assisting the opening goal and converting a penalty. Captain Marta's energy in Quito's altitude, along with her leadership and vision, has brought balance to a side still finding their rhythm. "We knew what to do when we had the ball, especially finding the passes between the lines," Marta said, also praising Brazil's defensive response after a shaky start to the second half. "(Goalkeeper) Claudia and the girls at the back sorted things out." While defensively solid with just two goals conceded in five matches, Brazil's intensity lapses have created openings that Colombia, led by Linda Caicedo and Mayra Ramirez, could punish. Their group-stage goalless draw saw Colombia dominate for 70 minutes after goalkeeper Lorena's red card, highlighting the fine margins the eight-time champions must control in the final. Brazil may not dazzle for 90 minutes, but their formula built on discipline, rotation and rising confidence has proved effective. Colombia represent their sternest test yet, but with a blend of energy and experience the reigning champions are positioned to complete their mission again. REUTERS
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Chess-Carlsen claims first Esports World Cup title
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen reacts ahead of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Paris, France, April 7, 2025. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen won the inaugural Esports World Cup chess tournament on Friday, defeating Alireza Firouzja in Riyadh. World number one Carlsen claimed the $250,000 top prize and saw his Team Liquid sneak ahead in the overall championship after his win over Firouzja. The prize pool of the tournament was $1.5 million. "It's been an amazing show, unlike anything I've ever seen," Carlsen said just before lifting the trophy on stage, with pyrotechnics lighting up behind him. The inclusion of the centuries-old board game in the esports tournament comes after it experienced a significant revival during the pandemic. REUTERS
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Milner to honour former teammate Jota with jersey number switch
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Brighton & Hove Albion's James Milner will don the number 20 shirt this season as a tribute to former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain last month. Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in early July when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames in northwestern Spain. The Portuguese forward had worn the number 20 during his time at Liverpool, where he and Milner played together for three seasons before the veteran midfielder's move to Brighton in 2023. "Once I heard Carlos (Baleba) was looking to change his number and 20 was available, I wanted to do it as a mark of respect and obviously pay tribute to Diogo Jota," Milner said. "(He was) an amazing player I was fortunate to play with and a great friend as well. So it'd be a great honour to wear his number in the Premier League." Liverpool are permanently retiring the number 20 after consultation with the player's wife Rute and family. The squad number will not be used at any level, including the women's team and academy. The 39-year-old Milner recently agreed a one-year contract extension with Brighton and is chasing Premier League history of his own. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Tech Reporting suspected advanced cyber attacks will provide a defence framework: Shanmugam Business Singapore's US tariff rate stays at 10%, but the Republic is not out of the woods yet Asia Asia-Pacific economies welcome new US tariff rates, but concerns over extent of full impact remain Business ST explains: How Trump tariffs could affect Singapore SMEs, jobs and markets Asia Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts Singapore Thundery showers expected on most days in first half of August Singapore Synapxe chief executive, MND deputy secretary to become new perm secs on Sept 1 Singapore 5 women face capital charges after they were allegedly found with nearly 27kg of cocaine in S'pore With 638 Premier League appearances already to his name, he sits within striking distance of Gareth Barry's all-time record of 653 games. REUTERS
