Nelly Korda continues her pursuit for a sixth consecutive LPGA Tour victory at the Cognizant Founders Cup, firmly asserting her presence despite a challenging start. In the second round, facing a significant 10-stroke deficit, Korda delivers a stellar performance with a bogey-free 6-under 66, narrowing the gap to four strokes behind leaders Rose Zhang and Madelene Sagstrom.
Zhang, who equaled Sagstrom’s tournament record with a remarkable 63 in the first round, follows up with a solid 68 in the morning session. Both Zhang and Sagstrom, tied at 13-under 131, are seasoned competitors, with each having secured one LPGA Tour victory. Meanwhile, Korda, at 25 years old, is on a remarkable streak of five consecutive wins, matching the tour record alongside legends Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam.
Korda’s round, highlighted by six birdies including a crucial putt on the 18th hole, positions her within striking distance as the tournament progresses. Reflecting on her performance, Korda acknowledges her strong putting game while expressing satisfaction with her overall play.
Zhang, maintaining composure amidst competition, emphasizes the learning curve inherent in every tournament, regardless of outcome. Despite her previous success, Sagstrom considers herself an underdog among the leaders but embraces the challenge of competing against the best.
In the standings, Yan Liu of China holds fourth place at 138, followed closely by Mel Reid of England at minus 5. Notably, Lydia Ko pursues a victory to secure qualification for the Hall of Fame, currently positioned at 4 under alongside notable contenders Minjee Lee and Hannah Green. Defending champion Jin Young Ko stands at 3 under, poised for further competition in the remaining rounds.
