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S. Koreans take top-2 spots at LPGA Marathon Classic

July 17, 2015

South Koreans Ha Na Jang, right, and Q Baek are first and second, respectively, at the LPGA Marathon Classic heading into the weekend. (AP Photos)

By Brian Han

South Korea’s Ha Na Jang continued her strong play on Friday to extend her lead to two strokes at the LPGA Marathon Classic in Sylvania, Ohio.

The 23-year-old has yet to make a bogey or higher so far after the first 36 holes of regulation.

“I’m thinking fairway, in the fairway and the greens, because really narrow the fairway and very small the greens,” she told reporters.

Her focus on these areas were evident as she hit 10 of 14 fairways, which led to three birdies for a 4-under 67.

Jang’s total is at 9-under giving her the outright lead over fellow South Korean Q Baek.

The 19-year-old rookie made up enough ground to move up from a tie for sixth to second. It seems as if she took a similar approach to Jang as she hit 12 of 14 fairways and an equally impressive 15 of 18 greens, but her putter stopped her from taking the lead for herself.

Baek ended up carding a 4-under 67 and is currently at 7-under for the tournament.

Chella Choi shot the lowest round of the day with a 5-under 66 to put her in a tie for 18th with a 3-under total.

World No. 1 and 2 Inbee Park and Lydia Ko, respectively, are currently tied for 10th at 4-under.

Play for the second round was suspended at 7:34 p.m. CT due to lightning in the area, with 54 players still on the golf course. Play will resume Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. CT.