WA amateur Smith leads Aussie Open
BY Anthony Powter | ALPG Tour | 2008 Women's Australian Open | Round Two | 01 Feb 2008
Kristie Smith, the 19-year-old amateur, moves into the weekend at the Australian Open with a two-shot lead over Korean and world number seven, Ji-Yai Shin. Smith fired a 4-under-par 69, to build upon her opening 1-under-par 72. Smith is at five-under for the tournament and three ahead of Karrie Webb.
“It was pretty awesome out there today,” remarked Smith.
“It’s a whole new experience, looking up at the leaderboard at the last, to see your name. It’s a pretty cool feeling.”
Smith, who won the 2007 Victorian Stroke Play Championship, remains comfortable with where she is placed amongst the professionals.
“I set low expectations,” remarked Smith during her post-round interview.
“I finished tied 25th last year and I wanted to get into the top 20 this year. I know I can match it with the pros and I showed that today. I’m just looking forward to the weekend.”
Karrie Webb, who has experienced the worst of the conditions so far in the tournament with rain interruptions yesterday and strong winds this afternoon, remains within striking distance of Smith, at 2-under-par and tied third, with fellow Aussie, Lindsey Wright and Korean, Hee Young Park.
“It was a well-fought day today,” remarked Webb, a three-time winner of the Australian Open.
“Obviously, the conditions were very tough, especially on the last nine holes when the wind really picked up. All in all, I’m happy with how I’m hitting the ball and where I am.”
Webb remains confident she can defend her title, won last year at Royal Sydney, moving into the weekend.
“I did not have tones of chances out there today, but I am very happy where I’m at,” said Webb.
Providing her putter can start to work, the world number three believes she be able to make a charge over the weekend.
“I need to get my ball striking and putting going on the same day,” remarked Webb.
“Hopefully, a few more putts will drop. I hit quite a few decent putts this afternoon on the back nine, which either ran out of speed or I just misread. If I can get the combination of the two going tomorrow, I think I have a good chance for the weekend.”
Only seven players are currently under par for the tournament, reflecting the difficulty of the 6082 metre, par-73, Kingston Heath layout. US Open Champion, Birdie Kim is one of a number of notable players over-par at 1-over, along with last week’s NSW Open winner, Laura Davies, at 3-over.
The cut was 8-over-par, with 66 professionals and six amateurs playing the weekend.
Only six Australians have won our national championship since the tournament’s inception in 1974, with Webb accounting for three of those. Kristie Smith is seeking to add her name to the list and be the first amateur in the tournament’s history to claim the title. The problem is, one of the games greats, namely Karrie Webb, is waiting to rain on Smith’s parade.
