Hull Leads Kroger Queen City: Advantage Over Thitikul and Yamashita Lurking

Charley Hull leads the Kroger Queen City Championship

MAINEVILLE, Ohio – Charley Hull positions herself at the top of the Kroger Queen City Championship after a standout round of 67 strokes, five under par, on Saturday. The English golfer leads by one stroke over the world number one, Jeeno Thitikul, after three exciting rounds. Hull, with a focused and precise mindset, achieved four birdies in the last eight holes, finishing with a total of 16 under par (200 strokes) at TPC River’s Bend. His simple mental approach has been key to his success.

I just hit the ball, find it, and hit it again, you know? I think the problem with a lot of golfers is they think too much. It’s just a game. Hit a white ball towards the hole. Make a birdie or a par, a bogey, whatever, and move on to the next hole.
Charley Hull

Jeeno Thitikul, seeking her second victory of the season on the LPGA Tour, carded a 68. The Thai golfer already secured a win in May at Liberty National in New Jersey.

I know I had many birdie opportunities today, but my putter wasn’t up to par.
Jeeno Thitikul

Charley Hull, with two LPGA Tour victories to her name, including one in 2022, arrives at this tournament after a second-place finish at the Aramco Series on the Ladies European Tour in Houston.

I’m not thinking about tomorrow. I’m looking forward to eating some fish tacos tonight.
Charley Hull

Two strokes behind the leader are two Japanese players who have already celebrated victories this year: Miyu Yamashita, champion of the Women’s British Open (66), and rookie Chisato Iwai (66).

Nelly Korda, currently in second place in the world ranking and without victories this year, finished with an eagle on the 18th hole, which allowed her to record a card of 68 strokes. She is three strokes behind the leader, along with Yealimi Noh (64), Bianca Pagdanganan (66) and Mary Liu (68).