Ranked 33rd in the world, the South Korean shot a three-under 69 to move six strokes clear at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, and accelerate her pursuit of a third career major.
New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and Jennifer Kupcho of the USA lead the chasing pack after carding 67 and 68 respectively.
A sensational start Thursday had seen Chun, 27, sink nine birdies en route to carding an eight-under 64 that tied the lowest opening round in Women’s PGA Championship history and established a new record for Congressional’s Blue course, remodeled in 2021.
Incredibly, Chun had held a seven-shot lead on her return to the clubhouse, with her ferocious start catching the eyes of many across the golf world — none more so than two-time major winner Justin Thomas.
“I can’t stop staring at the leaderboard. Leading by 7 halfway thru day 1!!!!” Thomas tweeted.
Though the margin had been cut to five by compatriot Hye-Jin Choi and Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum by the day’s close, Chun’s…
