Carefree: China’s Yin Ruoning wasn’t bothered by being deposed from the world No. 1 spot earlier this week. — AFP
JAPANESE amateur Saki Baba shot a seven-under 65 to take a surprise lead on Thursday in the Asian Games women’s golf, but it couldn’t spoil Yin Ruoning’s 21st birthday.
World No. 2 Ruoning was two shots back in a five-way tie for second after a flawless 67 in front of her home crowd in the Chinese city of Hangzhou.
“It’s not bad to have a bogey-free round for my 21st,” smiled Ruoning, known affectionately as “Ronnie” on the LPGA Tour, after she flew out of the blocks with five birdies in her first eight holes.
She parred the rest and said she wasn’t bothered by being deposed from the world No. 1 spot earlier this week by rising American star Lilia Vu.
“Number two, number one -- doesn’t matter as long as I can win,” said Ruoning.
Baba, who won the 2022 US Amateur Championship, is just 18 and attacked the West Lake International course with the carefree abandon of a teenager.
She recorded nine birdies against two bogeys to overshadow this year’s Women’s US PGA Championship winner, Ruoning.
Japan’s amateur Saki Baba, only 18, left the homester two shots behind in the Asian Games women’s golf competition. — AFP
“I was hitting the ball well and making my putts, so it was good,” said Baba.
“It was the first time I had played in China on this course but from the practice round it felt very comfortable.”
India’s Aditi Ashok missed an Olympic medal by one stroke in Tokyo two years ago and she also began with a five-under 67.
But there was disappointment for Aditi when she found out this week that her dad, who alternates caddie duties with her mum, wouldn’t be able to carry her clubs in Hangzhou.
“Dad’s here but just walking,” Aditi said. “We thought our own caddies were allowed, but no, everyone has to use local caddies.
“But I think that’s good in a way, too.”
Starting from hole 10 playing alongside Baba, Aditi caught light with three birdies in a row around the turn.
The world No. 47 almost spectacularly holed her approach to the par-four 18th, her ninth, leading to a tap-in three. — AFP
