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| Charawi Bunjan / Photo: KLPGA |
[Sports Today reporter Kang Tae-gu] Charawi Bunjan of Thailand is chasing her first KLPGA title at the E1 Charity Open (total purse: 1 billion KRW (approximately $750,000)).
Bunjan fired a 5-under 67 in the second round on the 23rd at Ferrum Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi (par 72), carding five birdies with no bogeys.
The round moved her to 8-under 136 overall, a nine-spot jump from 10th to the solo lead. She holds a two-stroke advantage over a three-way tie for second — Lee Ga-young, Lee Da-yeon and Han Ji-won — who are at 6-under 138.
Bunjan moved to the United States at age 15 to attend Duke University, where she was part of an NCAA team championship. She also won on the Epson Tour, the LPGA’s developmental circuit, in 2022.
After that she returned to compete on the KLPGA, appeared in the Hana Financial Group Championship, finished second at the 2024 International Qualifying Tournament and secured her KLPGA card through the final stage of Q-school.
Last year Bunjan played 17 events, made nine cuts and posted a best finish of tied for 24th. Her best result this season was tied for 29th, and she’s now aiming for her first tour victory this week.
Starting on the 1st hole, Bunjan carded pars through the first nine holes and turned for the back nine.
She remained level through 13, then ignited a run with a birdie at the 14th and rolled in five consecutive birdies through the 18th to surge into the solo lead.
After the round, Bunjan said, “My driver and iron shots were much better than yesterday, which led to a good result. My feel was sharp, so I created a lot of opportunities, although I did miss a few short putts — that was a bit disappointing. I made a lot of birdies on the back nine and overall played well, so I’m satisfied with the day.”
Looking ahead to the final round, she added, “I played well today, but rather than getting hung up on the result, I plan to play with joy. I’m taking mental-management classes right now, so I want to focus on what I can control and give my best to the process. I believe that will naturally lead to good results.”
Meanwhile, Lee Ga-young, who shared the first-round lead, shot 1-under today and slipped to second place.
With only a two-stroke gap, she still has ample opportunity to mount a comeback. Lee is chasing her fourth career victory and her first since the Celltrion Queens Masters in June of last year.
Lee Yul-rin, who had shared the lead with Lee Ga-young, stumbled to a 1-over round and fell to a tie for fifth at 4-under overall.
[Sports Today reporter Kang Tae-gu sports@stoo.com]
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