KUALA LUMPUR: Top-ranked Park In-Bee failed to shake off a recent slump in form and carded a one-under 70 to finish six strokes off the pace on the opening day of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia yesterday.
The South Korean has won three of her six Majors this year but has been without a victory since June.
Park, who has never successfully defended a title, won here last year, but trails compatriot Lee Il-Hee, who shot a seven-under 64.
“My irons weren’t loose enough. I’m trying to relax a bit more and go for it tomorrow,” said the world number one, who had three birdies against two bogeys.
“I’m not a good player in hot weather, but did well last year in Thailand and Malaysia, so I’ll keep going,” added Park, who finished her round minutes before the weather changed and rain fell at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).
“As I said earlier, my goal is to win the Player of the Year award as I didn’t get it last year.”
Park leads the season’s prize-money list with $2,306,328 and also tops the Player of the Year rankings with 290 points, 86 ahead of Norway’s Suzann Pettersen, who carded a 67. AFP
