The serene greens of the New Korea Country Club in Goyang, South Korea, have witnessed a relentless pursuit of victory by the United States team at the prestigious LPGA International Crown. With an utterly perfect record in fourball matches, the Americans have not merely participated; they have decidedly conquered, sealing their place in Sunday`s semifinals with an air of almost clinical efficiency.
An Unblemished American Campaign
Friday`s play solidified the U.S. team`s formidable standing. In a particularly notable match, the duo of Yealimi Noh and Angel Yin delivered a commanding 5 and 4 victory over Thailand`s top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul and Pajaree Anannarukarn. This result was not just a win; it dramatically ended Thitikul`s impressive six-match unbeaten streak in the team competition, a testament to the American pair`s precision and composure under pressure.
The momentum continued unabated as Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin followed suit, securing another decisive win for the U.S. by defeating Chanettee Wannasaen and Jasmine Suwannapura, also from Thailand, 3 and 2. These victories, following two earlier triumphs against China on Thursday, mean the top-seeded United States team stands alone as the only unbeaten contender, leading Pool A with a perfect four points. Their early qualification is a clear signal of their intent and preparation.
The Global Battle Intensifies in the Pools
While the U.S. team enjoys a relatively clear path forward, the battle for the remaining semifinal spots across both Pool A and Pool B remains fiercely contested.
- In Pool A, Australia and China split their fourball matches on Friday, showcasing the tight competition for advancement. Minjee Lee and Stephanie Kyriacou of Australia claimed a 2 and 1 victory, while China`s Yin Ruoning and Ruixin Liu edged out Hannah Green and Grace Kim 1-up in a thrilling finish.
- Pool B mirrored this intensity, with Japan and Sweden also splitting their matches. Miyu Yamashita and Rio Takeda of Japan secured a win against Madelene Sagstrom and Ingrid Lindblad, while Maja Stark and Linn Grant responded for Sweden with a victory over Mao Saigo and Ayaka Furue.
“The World Team” Delivers Clutch Moments
Perhaps one of the most compelling narratives emerged from the performance of the “World Team,” which garnered 1 1/2 points against host nation South Korea. This diverse squad now leads Pool B with three points from two wins and two ties, proving that international collaboration can be a powerful force.
A standout moment came from England`s Charley Hull, who, paired with New Zealand`s golf luminary Lydia Ko, sunk a crucial 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. This clutch shot secured a 1-up win over South Korea`s Hyo Joo Kim and Hye-Jin Choi, demonstrating the high-stakes drama inherent in team match play. Hull`s candid post-match reflection — “I managed to whack it, but I don`t want to whack it too hard because I don`t want to have a fiddler coming back. So just thought hole it and save the stress” — offered a glimpse into the mental fortitude required at this level.
Adding to the World Team`s tally, Jin Young Ko and Haeran Ryu of South Korea tied their match with Taiwan`s Wei-Ling Hsu and Canada`s Brooke Henderson, further illustrating the global tapestry of talent at play.
Tournament Format and The Road Ahead
The International Crown features seven countries and a “rest of the world” team, with player selections based on the women`s world ranking. The format progresses from fourball (best-ball) matches to a decisive Sunday showdown. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals, which, along with the final, will consist of one foursomes (alternate shot) and two singles matches. This shift in format promises an even more individual and strategic test of skill.
With all eight teams set to play a third set of fourball matches on Saturday, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the pool play. The LPGA`s Asian swing, which recently saw Sei Young Kim win the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea, continues its journey, with subsequent stops planned for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Shiga, Japan. The International Crown serves as a vibrant centerpiece, showcasing the pinnacle of women`s team golf before the tour moves eastward.
The United States team, by virtue of their unyielding performance, has provided a masterclass in consistency. While their rivals continue to battle for survival, the Americans can now focus on fine-tuning their strategy for Sunday`s high-stakes semifinals, aiming to convert their dominance into a well-deserved crown.
