GOYANG, South Korea — In a display of calculated precision and unyielding teamwork, the United States golf team has stamped its authority on the LPGA International Crown, maintaining an impeccable record and securing an early berth in Sunday`s semifinals. The American squad not only demonstrated formidable skill but also etched their names into the tournament`s history by ending a significant winning streak.
The Perfect Run Continues
The top-seeded American contingent has remained flawless, extending their fourball winning streak to four consecutive matches. Their consistent performance has been a hallmark of this year`s International Crown, hosted at the New Korea Country Club. Having previously swept their matches against China, the U.S. team entered Friday`s play with momentum, and they did not falter.
A Streak Dethroned: Thitikul`s Unbeaten Record Broken
Perhaps the most talked-about moment of the day came when Americans Yealimi Noh and Angel Yin faced off against Thailand`s formidable pairing of Jeeno Thitikul and Pajaree Anannarukarn. Thitikul, the world`s No. 1 ranked player, entered the match with an unblemished record of six consecutive match wins in the team competition. However, even the most formidable streaks eventually find their match.
Noh and Yin delivered a dominant performance, besting their Thai opponents 5 and 4. This decisive victory not only contributed to the U.S. perfect record but also impressively marked Thitikul`s first loss in the event, a testament to the American duo`s strategic play and composure under pressure.
United in Victory: The Collective American Effort
The day’s successes for the U.S. were not limited to a single pairing. In their second fourball match, Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin continued the American dominance, securing a 3 and 2 victory over Thailand`s Chanettee Wannasaen and Jasmine Suwannapura. These consecutive wins underscored the depth and collective strength of the American roster, proving that their top seeding was well-earned.
With four points already in Pool A, the United States has officially clinched a coveted spot in Sunday`s semifinals, an enviable position that allows them to approach Saturday`s final set of fourball matches with a degree of strategic flexibility.
A Global Battleground: Highlights from Other Pools
While the U.S. celebrated their early advancement, competition across the other pools remained intense. In Pool A, Australia and China split their fourball matches. Minjee Lee and Stephanie Kyriacou secured a win for Australia, while China`s Yin Ruoning and Ruixin Liu edged out Hannah Green and Grace Kim in a tight 1-up finish.
Pool B saw similar splits, with Japan and Sweden each claiming a victory. Miyu Yamashita and Rio Takeda won for Japan, while Maja Stark and Linn Grant secured a win for Sweden. The “World team,” a unique assembly of international talent, continued to make its presence felt. England`s Charley Hull, partnered with New Zealand`s Lydia Ko, provided a dramatic moment, sinking a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th to clinch a 1-up win over South Korea`s Hyo Joo Kim and Hye-Jin Choi. Meanwhile, another match between South Korea`s Jin Young Ko and Haeran Ryu and the World team`s Wei-Ling Hsu (Taiwan) and Brooke Henderson (Canada) concluded in a tie.
The World team currently leads Pool B with three points, showcasing the diverse talent assembled for this special format.
Understanding the International Crown Format
The LPGA International Crown pits seven countries against a “rest of the world” team, with players determined by their women`s world ranking. The tournament unfolds in two pools, with teams battling in fourball matches. The top two teams from each pool will then advance to Sunday`s semifinals and the grand final, which features a demanding combination of one foursomes (alternate shot) and two singles matches. This format demands not just individual prowess but impeccable team chemistry and strategic execution.
The Road Ahead
As the LPGA`s Asian swing continues, moving from South Korea to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and then Shiga, Japan, the International Crown offers a unique team-play spectacle. With the U.S. already in the semifinals, the focus now shifts to which other nations will join them in the quest for the prestigious crown. The anticipation for Sunday`s knockout rounds is palpable, promising more thrilling golf and strategic showdowns.
