and 'China-Korea-Korea-Korea-US-Korea' — Amazing, Korea! A large contingent in the top ranks; Kim Hyo-joo and Kim Sei-young tied for 2nd place in the third round of the FM Championship... just one shot behind the leader [LPGA]

*This content was translated by AI.

The upward momentum of Korean female golfers is remarkable. With a large number of them positioned in the top ranks of the leaderboard, they have shown hope for the championship.

Kim Hyo-joo (31·Lotte) and Kim Sei-young (33) tied for second place together in the third round of the LPGA Tour FM Championship (total prize money $4.4 million).

On the 30th (Korean time), both Kim Hyo-joo and Kim Sei-young recorded a combined total of 11-under-par 205 strokes during the tournament's third round held at TPC Boston (par 72) in Norton, Massachusetts, USA.

As a result, they took second place together, just one shot behind the sole leader, Yin Ruoning (China), who is at 12-under-par 204 strokes.

Kim Sei-young carded one eagle, five birdies, and one double bogey today to shoot a 5-under-par round. After hitting three consecutive birdies from the 2nd hole (par 5) to the 4th hole (par 4), she gained momentum but was briefly shaken by a double bogey on the 6th hole (par 4). However, she recovered with stepping-stone birdies on the 7th hole (par 5) and the 9th hole (par 4).

Continuing her strong play, Kim Sei-young then captured a decisive eagle on the 12th hole (par 5) in the back nine, instantly boosting her standing. Despite consistent performances this season, including six top-10 finishes, she has yet to secure a victory. Kim Sei-young aims to add another LPGA Tour win for the first time in about 10 months.

Kim Hyo-joo, who was tied for the lead after the second round, reduced her score by two strokes with four birdies and two bogeys. She surged ahead in the front nine with three birdies and no bogeys but committed consecutive bogeys on the 10th hole (par 4) and the 11th hole (par 3) in the back nine.

However, she stabilized her momentum with a birdie on the 12th hole (par 5), maintaining a realistic chance at the championship. Having won the Founders Cup and Ford Championship this season and secured two victories on domestic soil, Kim Hyo-joo is now challenging for her 10th career title and fifth trophy of the season in this tournament.

The strong presence of Korean players in the top ranks also stood out.

Lee So-mi (27) tied for fourth place with Jennie Bae (USA) at 8-under-par 208 strokes. Additionally, Im Jin-hee (28) secured a spot in a tie for sixth place at 7-under-par 209 strokes. The 2024 champion of this tournament, Yoo Hae-ran (25), and Anna Lee (31), both finished tied for 12th place at 6-under-par 210 strokes, while Choi Hye-jin (27) was positioned in a tie for 16th place at 5-under-par 211 strokes.

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*This content was translated by AI.