Singapore, 27 February 2026 – Auston Kim maintained her position atop the leaderboard by carding a second round three-under-par 69 to lead by one with her two-day total of nine-under-par 135 at the HSBC Women’s World Championship on Friday.
World No. 4 Minjee Lee of Australia made one of the biggest moves of the day, surging 26 places into tied-second after firing a superb 64 to share that position alongside Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn and Korea’s Haeran Ryu on matching 136 total.
Singapore’s Chen Xingtong and Shannon Tan endured a difficult day, returning with respective rounds of 74 and 75 to sit in a tie for 44th and 67th place.
Starting the round at The Tanjong, Sentosa Golf Club with a one-shot advantage, Kim came out firing with birdies on holes two, six and eight for an outward 33. She kept the momentum going on the back-nine with further gains on 12 and 14 before a double-bogey on 16 stalled her charge.
“It was a bit unfortunate. I hit a really good approach into the green and had about 21 feet. I ran the first putt about two-and-a-half feet past, missed that one, then missed the next before finally holing out. So it ended up being a four-putt, which was disappointing,” said Kim.
Despite the setback, Kim was quick to put the mistake behind her.
“I don’t want to get too hung up on it. It’s golf. Things happen and sometimes you get a bad break. I also had a lot of good bounces earlier, so that’s just part of the game,” said Kim.
With 36 holes remaining at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, Kim remains focused on maintaining her mental fortitude.
“I’m just sticking to my process. It’s about earning each shot, winning each shot and taking it one day at a time. If I can give 100 per cent focus to every shot and execute the way I want, I know I’ll be in a good position,” added the 25-year-old.
Playing in her first tournament of the 2026 season after an extended break, Lee – an 11-time LPGA winner and three-time Major champion – credited her hot putter for powering her back into contention following an opening round 72.
“I holed a few more putts today, including some long ones, and I also holed out for eagle on the second, which always helps the score,” said Lee. “I’ve had quite a bit of time off, probably the longest I’ve ever been away from competition. But I’ve been training hard. I also put a new driver in the bag this week, so that’s been working well.”
Despite battling neck pain, Ryu was relieved to still be able to swing freely as she chases a fourth LPGA title this week.
“My neck is still sore, but it’s getting better. I feel very lucky that I’m still able to make a full swing and hit the ball well. Hopefully, it will improve even more by tomorrow,” said Ryu.
Meanwhile, Chen will be aiming for a stronger finish after her promising opening 70 was let down by a second round 74.
“I just hope tomorrow will be better because I didn’t have my A-game today,” said the teenager, who is making her third appearance at the championship after topping the local qualifier.
“It was a bit of a grind out there. I just need to stay disciplined, hit more greens, and try to convert more birdies while limiting the bogeys.”
The HSBC Women’s World Championship is hosted at The Tanjong Course, Sentosa Golf Club for the 13thtime. Sentosa continues to receive global recognition for its leadership in sustainable golf and championship venue status, with The Serapong recently being named Asia’s Best Golf Course and Singapore’s Best Golf Course at the 2025 World Golf Awards.
Partners of the 2026 HSBC Women’s World Championship are: Sentosa, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Marina Bay Sands, Lexus, Nunchi Marine, Singapore Airlines, Rolex, Hilton Singapore, AON, Epson, Puma, COBRA Golf, Ecco, Sony, Sunbird Brewing Company, Technogym, Loch Lomond Whisky, Titleist, Bluewater, Tanglin Gin, Yeo’s, Telmont, 2XU and SParms.
