Bennett loses ground at Asia Pacific but remains in contention
Kelsey Bennett – in action in Thailand this week – photo R&A
Japan’s Mizuki Hashimoto has the halfway lead at Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific Championship, her second round of 66 the equal best of the tournament to date and opening up a one-shot lead over Jiyoo Lim of South Korea at the Siam Country Club in Thailand.
Hashimoto arrived this week as the defending champion following her win in Abu Dhabi last year and after a slowish start to the event with an opening round of 69, is back leading an event in which she is seeking to become the first two-time winner.
Australia’s Kelsey Bennett, from the South Coast of New South Wales, was unable to match the brilliance of her opening 67 and an even par round of 72 today has her four shots off the lead and tied for 4th after trailing by just one overnight.
New Zealand’s Fiona Xu is the next best of the Australasians in a share of 12th place, followed by Queenslanders Justice Bosio and Sarah Hammett in a share of 17th at 1 under.
