Japan’s Momoko Ueda made six birdies on the back nine in an eight-under 64 to take a three-stroke lead after the second round of the Mizuno Classic yesterday.
Ueda, who won this event in 2007, made her fourth straight birdie on the par-four 18th when she chipped in from edge of the green to finish at 13-under 131.
Japan’s Sakura Yokomine was three strokes back after a nine-under 63 at the Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club.
Second-year US LPGA Tour member Mina Harigae of the US shot a five-under 67 and was tied for third with Japan’s Mayu Hattori and China’s Shanshan Feng at nine-under 135.
WAITING FOR VICTORY
Ueda has eight career wins on the Japan Tour, but is bidding for her first win of this year. The 25-year-old made her sixth birdie of the day on the par-five 16th when her approach landed 4 feet from the hole. She then made a 10 foot birdie putt on 17 to go to 12-under.
Defending champion Shin Ji-yai of South Korea shot a 71 and was tied for 26th at four-under. Stacy Lewis of the US was tied for 18th after a 71.
TAIWANESE CONTINGENT
Taiwan’s Teresa Lu, who was in a three-way share for the lead going into the third round, dropped down to a three-way tie for sixth after shooting a two-under 70.
The other two in sixth place are Scotland’s Catriona Matthew and Kim In-kyung of South Korea, who both shot four-under 68 on the round.
Meanwhile, Amy Hung and Candie Kung of Taiwan are farther behind the pack, with both tied for 34th place with a handful of other players. They both shot one-under 71 and are at three-under 141 going into the final round.
Additional reporting by staff writer
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely