Tiffany Chan faces hectic US Women’s Open weekend as storms play havoc with Hong Kong star’s second round
The 24-year-old faces battle to make the cut after completing just four holes of second round at her first major as lightning delay hits Shoal Creek schedule
Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching was left facing a hectic US Women’s Open weekend after stormy conditions played havoc with the schedule at Shoal Creek.
A lightning delay caused by subtropical storm Alberto stopped more than half of the field from finishing their second round in Alabama, including Hong Kong No 1 Chan, who is playing her first major.
Play was halted for nearly four hours and resumed at 6pm local time. But barely an hour later, play was suspended for the day amid fading light and the more gathering storm clouds.
“We have a super early start tomorrow, it’s been a long day,” Chan’s agent, Jeremy Yew, said.
Chan, who is five over par for the tournament, will resume her second round at three over par through four holes at 6.45am Central time (7.45pm Hong Kong time) on Saturday.
Following a first-round 74 in similarly tricky conditions, the 24-year-old is in danger of missing the cut, which is projected to be three over par.
The make matters worse, the soggy Soal Creek turf was battered by another downpour after the players had all gone off for the second time on Friday.
The first Hongkonger to play on the LPGA Tour, world No 317 Chan will have a quick turnaround if she makes the cut, with the third round to begin early on Saturday afternoon. In all, 78 players need to complete their second round.
Australia’s Sarah Jane Smith took advantage of kinder early conditions to move out in front by four strokes after a second consecutive five-under-par 67.
The 33-year-old, ranked 97th, hit five birdies in her front nine as she chases a first victory of a 10-year career. She has a 10-under 138 halfway total.
Smith’s form this weekend is all the more remarkable given she had missed five consecutive cuts on the LPGA Tour before a tie for 32nd at the Volvik Championship last week.
“I haven’t been in this position before, but I hope to show up like it’s another day,” Smith said.
Compatriot Su Oh is hot on Smith’s heels at six under after a second-round 68, in a tie for second with 2016 British Open winner Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand, who will resume one under through eight holes.
