On the second day of the US$1.8 million HSBC Women’s World Championship, the leaderboard saw a shift, with different players dominating the top three spots. France’s Celine Boutier showcased an impressive performance on the challenging Tanjong Course, carding a remarkable eight birdies to propel herself to the top with a superb 8-under 64. Close on her heels are Japan’s Ayaka Furue at 6-under 138 (71-67) and Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom at 5-under 138 (71-68).
Boutier, a six-time LPGA winner, struggled on the opening day with a 73, but bounced back with a bogey-free round, highlighted by birdies on holes one, three, four, five, eight, 13, 14 and 16 for a two-day total of seven-under-par 137.
Boutier said, “I think my putting was a little better. I feel like I didn’t really make that many putts yesterday, and today, I felt like I made everything. So I felt like that was definitely the main difference between yesterday and today.”
The third-ranked player in the world was delighted with her low round today. She was on track to make nine birdies on the final hole (9th hole), but her approach shot overshot and landed on the fringes of the green.
“I was a little bit surprised that it went over. I definitely feel like I hit a good shot and just released it too much. That was too bad, but managed to have a good finish.,” said Boutier, who won four tournaments last year, including one major.
“It was definitely less windy, and I was able to get a good start and two birdies on the back, which is my front nine. That gave me a lot of confidence to keep going, and I was able to take advantage of a lot of birdie putts, especially on four, and just kept going. I feel like I played solid all round long and was able to get a low score,” said Boutier
Boutier expressed her intention to enjoy a well-deserved rest following today’s impressive performance, intending to celebrate her father’s birthday and escape the heat. She has already consumed 10 bottles of water. Tomorrow is another day.
“I don’t know that I feel really comfortable or at ease. This field has many great players, and you’re never really too far ahead, so I’m just trying to take it one round at a time and hopefully post another solid round tomorrow and put myself in a better position — and I hope no playoff,” she laughed remembering her epic nine-hole playoff at the Maybank Championship.
Furue, who pipped Boutier to the Scottish Open title in 2022, will be ready to do battle with the Frenchwoman again as they tee off together in the third round. The Japanese remains upbeat about her chances as she bids to outplay the six-time LPGA winner again.
“She is a really good player. So I just want to catch up with her, her play, and play good tomorrow,” said Furue.
Furue, who finished tied-third in last year’s edition, hauled herself back into contention after signing for a 67 to trail Boutier by one shot in second place.
Following an early setback, dropping two strokes, Furue staged an impressive comeback, notching seven birdies, including four consecutive ones from the 12th to the 15th holes.
“I just had two bogeys, but I concentrated on my play and had four consecutive birdies out there. So it was pretty good for me. The first one I got, the first bogey I got, was like the edge of the bunker, and it was a really hard shot to the pin. So, that was difficult for me, but I just made it and kept going on.
Furue remarked on her position among the leaders. “I feel really good, and I’ll just keep focusing on my play this week.”
Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden. Photo: HSBC Women’s World Championship
Sagstrom, meanwhile, remains the only player to have played bogey-free through 36 holes despite the challenging course conditions. The 31-year-old, whose lone LPGA victory dates back in 2020, was pleased to have executed a clever game plan that saw her better her opening round of 71.
“I played kind of smart. I think that is the key to not making bogeys. There were not a lot of birdie chances yesterday. So, I had to play smart and let the putter do the talking. Today, I tried to give myself some chances and I’ve just been playing good golf and that takes bogeys out of play sometimes.
I’ve been playing smart when I needed to, taking some longer putts because my putter has been pretty decent. I’ve had good speed on most putts today,” said Sagstrom.
Peiyun Chien of Chinese Taipei. Photo: HSBC Women’s World Championship
Five players including 2017 LPGA Tour Rookie Peiyun Chien, six-time LPGA Tour winner Nasa Hataoka, Aussie Stephanie Kyriacou, 2021 champion Hyo Joo Kim and first-round leader Sarah Schmelzel, sit in a tie for fourth place at four-under par after Friday.
World No. 1 Lilia Vu, meanwhile, struggled to a 74 to finish her round in a share of 21st place while defending champion Ko Jin-young is a further shot back in tied-27th place after signing for a 73.
The HSBC Women’s World Championship boasts an international field with representation from 22 countries across the world.
