Hye-Jin Choi Maintains Two-Shot Advantage at LPGA Shanghai

Hye-Jin Choi sits at 6-under 138 through 36 holes at Sheshan Golf Club, holding a two-stroke lead over Amy Yang and Grace Kim.

Hye-Jin Choi posted a 2-over 74 on Friday but retained a two-stroke lead with a 6-under 138 total after two rounds of the LPGA Shanghai. According to the Associated Press, Choi entered the day with a three-shot cushion before navigating difficult scoring conditions at Sheshan Golf Club. The South Korean professional is pursuing her first victory on the LPGA Tour to complement her 12 career wins in her home country.

Amy Yang and Grace Kim sit in a tie for second place at 4-under par. Yang carded a 1-under 71, while Kim finished the round with an even-par 72. Kim noted that firming greens and tucked pin positions at the Shanghai venue forced players to aim for bunkers rather than the putting surfaces on several holes.

Defending champion Jeeno Thitikul is currently four strokes off the lead in a tie for seventh after shooting a 1-over 73. Thitikul, who won this event in 2025 following a five-hole playoff, recently secured her fourth victory of the season at the LOTTE Championship. This tournament marks the beginning of the LPGA's four-event Asian Swing, which will continue through South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan over the coming three weeks.