Nelly Korda and Elizabeth Szokol Lead the Way at the HSBC Women’s World Championship
The 2021 HSBC Women’s World Championship got off to a thrilling start in Singapore on Thursday, with surprise leader Elizabeth Szokol shooting a remarkable eight-under-par 64 to open up a three-shot lead over Japan’s Yuka Saso.
Former world number one Nelly Korda was in a tie for third place after a four-under-par 68. Korda managed to scramble a par following a wayward tee shot on the short fourth hole and stay in touch with Szokol. The 2021 US Women’s Open champion, Japan’s Yuka Saso, shot a 67 at the $1.8 million LPGA event.
Szokol opened with a bogey at the 10th, her first hole, but from there never looked back, carding seven birdies and an eagle. “I played really solid,” said Korda. “I kind of had one little oopsy, and that was on the par three.”
The bunched leaderboard saw Lee6 Jeong-eun and Kim Hyo-joo of South Korea also at four-under alongside Japan’s Ayaka Furue, the Thai pair Patty Tavatanakit and Ariya Jutanugarn, and Korda.
World number one Lydia Ko of New Zealand was in a share of 14th place after a two-under 70 and defending champion Ko Jin-young of South Korea posted a level-par 72.
Szokol’s surprise performance has set the stage for an exciting tournament, with the top players looking to make their mark on the leaderboard. It is sure to be a fascinating and competitive weekend in Singapore as the Women’s World Championship reaches its conclusion.
