Liu Yiyi topped the standings in Shanghai.
Shanghai, China: Two rounds of even-par proved just enough for teenage rookie pro
Liu Yiyi to book her ‘golden ticket’ to the US Women’s Open.
The 17-year-old from Shaanxi claimed the lone spot on offer at the China sectional qualifier, winning the silver medal with a two-round total of 144 at the Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club.
Australian
Victoria Fricot (73-72) was one shot behind, while amateur
Yu Han-hsuan (71-75) of Chinese Taipei was third, two shots off the pace in the 31-player field.
After an opening round that featured four birdies and four bogeys, Liu found herself two strokes behind pace-setting
Li Xiya. Another solid round of 72 propelled her to the top of the leadrboard at the course where she won the Buick Championship qualifying in 2016.
“Playing in a Major has always been my dream,” said Liu, who was competing in her fifth US Women’s Open qualifier. This year’s 73rd championship will take place at Shoal Creek in Birmingham, Alabama from May 31-June 3.
Queenslander Fricot started the second round three shots off the pace and needed a par on the final hole to force a play-off with playing partner Liu. However, a bogey five proved the 23-year-old Noosa Springs native’s undoing.
China’s
Zhou Jiayi (75-72) and Li Xiya (70-77) were equal fourth.
