Tokyo 2020: Stephanie Meadow on the move after strong day two

Northern Ireland’s Stephanie Meadow jumped towards the top of the leader board with a round of 66 on the second day of play at Kasumigaseki County Club for the women’s individual stroke play.
By Sports Desk
Published 5th Aug 2021, 17:08 BST
Updated 5th Aug 2021, 17:13 BST
KAWAGOE, JAPAN - AUGUST 05: Stephanie Meadow of Team Ireland plays her shot from the eighth tee during the second round of the Women's Individual Stroke Play on day thirteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club on August 05, 2021 in Kawagoe, Japan. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)KAWAGOE, JAPAN - AUGUST 05: Stephanie Meadow of Team Ireland plays her shot from the eighth tee during the second round of the Women's Individual Stroke Play on day thirteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club on August 05, 2021 in Kawagoe, Japan. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
KAWAGOE, JAPAN - AUGUST 05: Stephanie Meadow of Team Ireland plays her shot from the eighth tee during the second round of the Women's Individual Stroke Play on day thirteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club on August 05, 2021 in Kawagoe, Japan. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Leona Maguire also made strides with a 67.

Overnight, the pair sat in tied 36th and tied 22nd place and were determined to make a move towards the medal positions.

At the end of play on Thursday, they had both moved into a tie for 11th.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Nelly Korda (USA) fired a superb round of 62 which gives her a 4-shot advantage over Aditi Ashok (India), Nicole Koerstz-Madsen (Denmark) and Emily Kristine Pedersen (Denmark) who are tied for the silver medal on 9-under.

Already with five birdies on her card before reaching her final hole of the day, Maguire signed for her 4-under par round by finishing off with an additional birdie. She credited her opportunity creation for her score, something she struggled with on day one.

“I played a lot better today and gave myself a lot more chances,” said the Cavan native. “I didn’t get off to the best of starts but I chipped in on 4 and I kind of feel like that turned the day for me.

“I then went on and had three birdies in a row on 6, 7 and 8 which was nice. It felt like I played quite solid today.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There were a few putts that, had they gone in, it would have completely changed the day, but it was nice to finish with a birdie on 18 to head into tomorrow.”

Upon finishing her round, Maguire was also delighted to hear of boxer Kellie Harrington securing her place in the gold medal fight to take place this Sunday.

“What Kellie is doing is incredible,” Maguire said.

“She was one of the first people I met when I got into the village last week. I’d love to see her win a gold medal, she really deserves it. It’s great to see the community and people at home rallying around her. I’m fortunate where I’m from it’s the same as well.

“If we can finish off this week on a high note and she can go win a gold medal on Sunday, that would be great.”

Related topics:Tokyo 2020Northern IrelandUSA

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.