Hye-Jin Choi Leads LPGA Shanghai Ahead of Final Round

Hye-Jin Choi maintained her tournament-long lead at the LPGA Shanghai event after shooting a 3-under-par 69 in the third round on Saturday. The South Korean golfer heads into the final round with a one-stroke advantage at Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai as she looks to secure her first victory on the LPGA Tour.

Choi recorded four birdies on the front nine to strengthen her position at the top of the leaderboard. After leading by three strokes following the opening round and holding a two-shot advantage after the second round, she reached a 54-hole total of 9-under-par 207.

Hye-Jin Choi Maintains Her Lead in Shanghai

Choi continued her impressive performance on Saturday, carding a 69 to remain ahead of the chasing field. Her consistent play throughout the tournament has kept her in control, although a narrow one-stroke lead means the final round could still produce a close contest.

The South Korean golfer has led the tournament since the first round and will now aim to convert that advantage into a title. With several competitors within striking distance, Choi will need another strong performance on Sunday to finish the job.

Amy Yang Sits One Stroke Behind Choi

Amy Yang moved into second place after shooting a 4-under-par 68 in the third round. Her performance brought her to within one stroke of Choi, setting up a potentially exciting battle for the title in the final round.

Ruoning Yin also remained in contention after delivering a 5-under-par 67 on Saturday. Yin climbed into third place, two strokes behind the leader, giving her an opportunity to challenge for the championship if she continues her strong form.

With Choi, Yang and Yin separated by just two strokes, the final round promises an intense competition at Sheshan Golf Club.

Choi Seeks Her First LPGA Tour Victory

Despite her success in South Korea, Choi is still searching for her first victory on the LPGA Tour. She has already collected 12 wins in her home country, demonstrating her ability to compete at a high level.

A victory in Shanghai would represent a significant milestone in her professional career. Having held the lead throughout the tournament, Choi has put herself in a strong position to achieve that goal, but she must maintain her composure under pressure during the final round.

Defending Champion Jeeno Thitikul Falls Back

Defending champion Jeeno Thitikul struggled during Saturday’s third round, shooting a 2-over-par 74 to fall to even par for the tournament. The result left her well behind the leading contenders heading into the final day.

Thitikul won the Shanghai event in 2025 after defeating Minami Katsu in a five-hole playoff. Her performance this year has been less consistent, making a successful title defence increasingly difficult.

However, the Thai golfer arrives in Shanghai after another successful season on the LPGA Tour. Earlier this month, she won the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii, earning her fourth LPGA victory of the season and the 11th of her career.

LPGA Tour’s Asian Swing Continues in South Korea

The LPGA Tour’s late-season Asian Swing will continue next week in South Korea before moving on to tournaments in Malaysia and Japan. The stretch of events provides players with further opportunities to compete for titles as the season progresses.

For Choi, the immediate focus remains on the final round in Shanghai. With a one-stroke lead over Yang and Yin two shots behind, she will have to deliver another disciplined performance to secure the biggest victory of her LPGA Tour career so far.

What to Expect in the Final Round

The final round of LPGA Shanghai is shaping up to be a closely contested affair. Choi has the advantage after three rounds, but Yang’s strong Saturday performance and Yin’s low score have kept the pressure firmly on the leader.

Choi’s consistency has been the defining feature of her tournament so far. If she can maintain that level of play on Sunday, she will have a strong chance of claiming the title. However, with only a small gap separating the leading golfers, the championship remains up for grabs.

Conclusion

Hye-Jin Choi will enter the final round of LPGA Shanghai with a 9-under-par total of 207 and a one-stroke lead after shooting a 69 on Saturday. Amy Yang is second following a round of 68, while Ruoning Yin sits third, two strokes behind the leader.

As Choi pursues her first LPGA Tour victory, the pressure will intensify in the final round. With two strong challengers close behind and defending champion Jeeno Thitikul struggling to keep pace, Sunday’s action at Sheshan Golf Club promises an exciting finish to the Shanghai event.