Three Aussies blend into Mississippi

Gabi Ruffels play during the second battle round at the US Women & # 39; s Amateur 2019. Image: USGA / Steven Gibbons

Three Australians have reached the knockout match play phase of the US Women & # 39; s Amateur.

Gabi Ruffels from Melbourne and Sydney, the couple Doey Choi and Steph Kyriacou, have all withstood the nerve-racking 36-hole battle at Old Waverly Golf Club in Mississippi to go to the final 64 tomorrow.

Ruffels was particularly impressive, carding one of the best rounds of the second day – a four-under-par 68 to end in a share of the fifth and only two strokes from joint medal winners, Jiarui Jin in China and the American Alexa Pano to six below.

The Victorian, a member of Victoria who plays collegiate golf for the University of Southern California, takes seed no. 6 to the match play phase.

Choi, a member of Concord, today followed her own chance of winning medals to a total out of character eight on the par-four 18, her ninth hole.

But the state team of New South Wales No.1 regained her calmness and her round of 73 included six birdies and left her at the same level in total and with the No.27 seed for match play.

Kyriacou, a member of St. Michaels who staggered after an opening of 75, played more consistent golf and her bird on the 15th today, but made sure that even Par day two was enough.

She will take seed no. 54 to the play phase in which she pulled American Brooke Seay, the young woman who in the round of 16 on the 21st hole Kyriacou & # 39; s state teammate Grace Kim sensationally eliminated from the recent US Girls & # 39 ;Amateur. .

Of the other Australians, Becky Kay was the bad luck story, on the 11th en route to a double bogey en route to a five over total, only two strokes after a 73.

Jess Whitting improved significantly in her opening 79 with a second round 74 to end at +9, while Amelia Grohn (79-76) was +11 and veteran Sue Wooster (80-80) at +16.

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