The tension in Shanghai is palpable: Hye-Jin Choi is on the verge of perhaps the biggest moment of her LPGA career, potentially claiming her first title on tour at the Buick LPGA Shanghai – and in wire-to-wire fashion. What a story that could unfold on Championship Sunday.
After a truly strong 3-under 69 on Saturday, highlighted by four birdies on the front nine, Choi sits atop the leaderboard at 9-under 207 after 54 holes. She kept the competition at bay, leading by three strokes after Round 1 and by two strokes after Round 2. Since joining the LPGA in 2022, she has secured twelve wins in South Korea and amassed 33 top-10 finishes in 123 LPGA starts, but she's still missing that one big breakthrough. Could 2026 be her year?
Pure Thrills on the Green
It's clear it won't be a walk in the park. Amy Yang lurks directly behind her, having moved up to 8-under 208 with a round of 68, placing her in solo second position. The six-time LPGA winner is just one stroke back and knows how to close out tournaments. From behind, Ruoning Yin is pushing into the spotlight: The 2024 Shanghai champion fired a bogey-free 67 and sits at 7-under 209, just two strokes behind the lead. She will tee off in the final group alongside Choi and Yang – home advantage and drama are guaranteed!
Showdown in Shanghai
The event, the sixth edition of the Buick LPGA Shanghai and the first at Sheshan Golf Club, boasts a $3.2 million purse and kicks off the LPGA's late Asian Swing. Even defending champion Jeeno Thitikul, who triumphed in a five-hole playoff in 2025 and recently won the Lotte Championship in 2026, is only at even par after a round of 74. The final Sunday thus promises a real thriller, where Choi must give her all to defend her lead and finally celebrate her first LPGA title. The battle of nerves has begun!
