27 Feb 2021 | Professional golf |
Kemp firing as Ruffels makes a cut
by Martin Blake
Sarah Kemp found some of her best form to move into the top 10 at the Gainsbridge LPGA tournament in Florida today, while Gabi Ruffels ensured that she will pick up her first cheque as a professional. Australia's Kemp shot a second-round 69 with five birdies to sit tied-eighth overall at five under par, five shots behind the outright leader, Kiwi Lydia Ko. The New South Wales star is still seeking her first victory on the LPGA Tour at age 35. Meanwhile the 20-year-old Ruffels, who is making her debut as a professional, rattled off four back-nine birdies to get herself inside the cutline, shooting a second-round 70 to go with her opening 73 at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club and moving up to tied-31st overall. Ruffels, previously a top-five amateur in the world and a US Amateur champion, has previously competed well in professional events including two top-15 results in majors in 2020. Ko has not won an LPGA event since she beat Australia's Minjee Lee in a playoff in 2018 in the LPGA Mediheal Championship, but having moved to Lake Nona where this event is being played, she has looked comfortable. Former world No. 1 Annika Sorenstam shot 75-71 and made the cut on the number at two over par in her first appearance since 2008.LPGA leaderboard
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