Former World number one, Jiyai Shin, has taken the lead through the early stages of round two of the ISPS Handa Australian Women&aposs Open, her percentage based game taylor made for Royal Canberra&aposs demands for accuracy from the tee. The current Ricoh Women&aposs British Open Champion birdied her opening two holes on day two and although she bogeyed her 5th hole when she failed to get up and down from close range she bounced back with consecutive birdies at the 15th and 16th to take a two shot lead. Shin essentially took over the mantle of world number one when Lorena Ochoa retired from the game and dominated through much of 2009, 2010 and 2011. Yani Tseng took over as the world number one in early 2011 and soon after Shin began to struggle with the expectations of being number one and a hand injury which, in 2012, required surgery. When I was number 1 I had a lot of pressure on myself, sometimes to push myself because I sometimes think I am number 1 so I have to make it perfect,” said Shin recently at the Volvik Ladies Masters at Royal Pines. So I pressure myself, but now I am 8th or around there so I m more comfortable. But I still look up at the 1 or so, so its lots of hard training and practice.” As for the injury Shin explained what the issue had been. It was actually I don t know exactly the name of it but it was a small bone was broken, so I just go ahead and it take 2 months for the recovery. My first event was at the Evian, but I didn t play very well, because I couldn’t use my left arm or hand, so I lost a lot of strength on my left side so my balance wasn t quite good. But I really enjoy the play, because I missed the golf game for a couple of months.” Soon after however she would win the Ricoh Women&aposs British Open and the Kingsmill Championship on the LPGA Tour. At her best Shin is a great example of how to play to one&aposs strengths. Her game is built around percentages, playing smart and hitting fairways and greens. She will not often overpower a golf course but will regularly out-think one. It would appear she is certainly doing that at Royal Canberra at present, enjoying a two shot lead over Lydia Ko though 27 holes. Italy&aposs Giulia Sergas and Colombia&aposs Mariajo Uribe are one shot further back.
Author: Bruce Young / womensaustralianopen.com