Tournament Leaderboard Sees Triple Tie at Top
A trio of prominent golfers has emerged at the summit of the Deoksin EPC Championship leaderboard following the second round at Kingsdale Golf Club. The tournament features a prize pool totaling 1 billion won.
Lee Ye-won, Noh Seung-hee, and Kim Jae-hee each posted a combined score of 8-under par 136 through thirty-six holes, setting up a final-round showdown in the championship group.
Lee Ye-won’s Spectacular Climb
The most dramatic movement came from Lee Ye-won, who surged up thirty-nine positions from a tie for 40th place. Her bogey-free round included seven birdies for a 7-under 65, matching the course record.
Known as the “Queen of Spring” for winning six of her nine career titles between March and May, Lee is pursuing her tenth career victory—her first in eleven months since winning last year.
Speaking after her round, Lee explained that she focused on improving her wedge play after struggles in the opening round. She noted that both her ball-striking and putting felt sharp, allowing her to create birdie opportunities with relative ease.
Despite capturing her season-opening title in March or April during the past three years, Lee remains without a victory this season. However, she expressed confidence in her game and feels no pressure about her early-season results.
Noh Seung-hee Maintains Steady Form
Noh Seung-hee joined the leaders with consistent play, recording five birdies against one bogey for a 4-under round—matching her first-round score.
After finishing second in prize money rankings with one victory during her career-best season, Noh seeks her first win of the current campaign and fourth career title—ten months after her most recent triumph.
Following two missed cuts in four events this season, Noh described her ball-striking as strong throughout the round. Though she missed several short birdie putts early, she remained positive and benefited from longer putts falling on the back nine.
Looking ahead, Noh plans to focus on achieving her goal of a top-10 finish while employing conservative strategy—prioritizing position over aggressive play to ensure favorable putting angles.
Kim Jae-hee Holds Position with Eagle
Kim Jae-hee maintained her share of the lead with a 2-under round that featured an eagle. She aims for her second career victory, nearly two years after winning in Singapore.
Kim expressed satisfaction with her overall momentum after competing in several events this year and pledged to continue her strong play through the final round.
Chasing Pack Within Striking Distance
One stroke back: Fifth-year tour member Yoo Seo-yeon sits alone in fourth place at 7-under 137 after a 3-under round.
Two strokes behind: Defending champion Kim Min-sun headlines a crowded group at 6-under 138. Should she capture the title, she would accomplish a historic double—consecutive weekly victories and successful title defense—for the first time in twenty-nine years.
Also at 6-under are several accomplished players including Bang Shin-sil (three wins last season), Park Min-ji (one win shy of twenty career victories), Yoo Hyun-jo (recent Grand Prize and scoring title winner), and Kim Si-hyun—all positioned for potential comeback victories.
Three strokes off the pace: Ko Ji-won, who won earlier this month, sits in a tie for tenth at 5-under 139, keeping herself in contention.
The final round promises intense competition as multiple star players vie for the championship at the par-72 layout.