Seoul, Korea, September 18: South Korea’s Jang Eunsoo took the outright lead at the Hana Financial Group Championship with a bogey-free three-under 69 in the second round at The Heaven Country Club. Her two-day total of 140, four under par, is one shot better than compatriots Hong Jinyoung (70), Kim Minsun (70) and Hwang Youmin (71).
Jang birdied the first, seventh and 11th holes. She is chasing a second KLPGA win after ending a 10-year wait for her first last month.
“Although the course was difficult, I was able to save par well in critical situations and didn’t miss my birdie opportunities, allowing me to finish with a good score,” Jang said. She called 2026 the best season of her career.
Iwai sisters in the chase
Japan’s Chizzy and Akie Iwai both shot 70 to lead the international group. Chizzy, who opened with a 73, is on 143, one under par and three behind Jang, in tied sixth. Akie is on 144 in tied ninth.
The twins became the first twin sisters to each win on the LPGA Tour last year. This is their first appearance at the event, and 36 holes remain.
Ko and Lee miss the cut
World No. 12 Lydia Ko shot 80 and 72 for a total of 152, two shots outside the cut, which fell at six-over par. Australia’s Minjee Lee, ranked 15th, signed for 75 and 76 and also went home early.
Lee has a strong record here. She was runner-up in 2021, 2023 and 2025 and tied third in 2024.
Jang expects a harder weekend. “I expect the pin positions to become even harder this weekend, so I need to play as steadily as possible,” she said.
