The United States made a strong start on the opening day of the LPGA’s International Crown tournament in Goyang, South Korea, securing victories in both of their fourball matches against China. Yealimi Noh and Angel Yin delivered a commanding 5 and 4 win over Liu Yan and Yin Ruoning, while Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin edged out Zhang Weiwei and Liu Ruixin 1-up. The U.S. was the only team to win both of its matches on Thursday. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand continued her impressive form, teaming up with Pajaree Anannarukarn to defeat Australia’s Hannah Green and Grace Kim 1-up. This marked Thitikul’s sixth consecutive win in team competitions. Australia’s Minjee Lee and Steph Kyriacou managed to split points with Thailand after a 2-up victory over Chanettee Wannasaen and Jasmine Suwannapura. In Pool B, South Korea earned 1.5 points, with Hyo Joo Kim and Hye-Jin Choi defeating Sweden’s Maja Stark and Linn Grant 3 and 2, while Jin Young Ko and Haeran Ryu tied with Ingrid Lindblad and Madelene Sagstrom. The tournament features seven countries and a ‘rest of the world’ team, with players determined by the women’s world ranking. Fourball matches will continue on Friday and Saturday, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to Sunday’s semifinals and finals. Thitikul, a six-time LPGA tour winner, remains the only player in the field to have previously won the International Crown.
Americans beat China twice. Thitikul stays perfect at LPGA’s International Crown team event
