Two-way tie at Evian

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (16 September 2016) – South Korea’s In Gee Chun and compatriot Sung Hyun Park were tied for the lead starting the second round of the Evian Championship in Evian-les-Bains in France, which got underway in calmer weather this morning.

The South Korean pair, who fired flawless rounds of nine under 63, led Annie Park and Shanshan Feng by one shot.

Chun, the 2015 US Women’s Open champion, went out early in the morning wave and picked up six of her eight birdies on her final nine holes – the front nine at Evian Resort Golf Club. She used 28 putts in her round of 63 and did not miss a single green.

The 22-year old from Korea holds a commanding lead for the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year award credited her commitment to her reads on the greens and her playing partners, Ariya Jutanugarn and Julia Engstrom for her strong play.

“I could see the putting lines very well, and I was so good rolling the ball on those lines,” said Chun. “And then I played with Ariya. I’m always happy to play with Ariya because she’s so nice, and I played with Julia today. She’s so sweet. Thanks to them for making me feel comfortable.”

Chun has had nine top-10 finishes in her rookie season and is playing for her first LPGA win as a member.

She won the U.S. Women’s Open as a member of the KLGPA. Known for her unwavering and smiley demeanour on course, Chun admitted that she was somewhat nervous before teeing it up this morning in stormy conditions.

“I don’t know why, but I’m just a little nervous, so try to more focus on my game,” said Chun. “I think because it’s the last major.”

Sung Hyun Park sank an 18-footer on the 18th hole to move into a share of the lead.

The 22-year-old has seven victories on the KLPGA this season and leads the Tour’s money list. She’s making her first appearance at the Evian Championship and said that her accuracy off the tee was key to her strong start.

“I worry about tee shot,” said Park. “Tee shot was great. So everything work fine.”

Defending champion Lydia Ko opened with a one-under-par 70 and sits in a tie for 28th and seven shots back.

South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace played the course in level par 71 to tie for 39th while compatriot Paula Reto finished joint 82nd after an opening 82.

Follow the live scoring at http://www.evianchampionship.com/leaderboard/all-the-players/