In recent days, health concerns have emerged at the Mizuho Americas Open in Jersey City, N.J., as 10 players have withdrawn from the event. Seven of these withdrawals were due to various illnesses, while three were attributed to injuries. The LPGA has issued a statement expressing their concerns and stating that they will closely monitor the situation at Liberty National.
The trend of withdrawals began in the first round when defending champion Rose Zhang exited after three holes due to an intestinal issue. Two players who were near the top of the leaderboard also withdrew due to illness, prompting Maja Stark of Sweden and Caroline Masson of Germany to be replaced as alternates by Mi Lee of South Korea and Mao Saigo of Japan, respectively.
Currently, Lee sits in second place, two shots behind halfway leader Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand, while Saigo is three shots back. Among the 10 players who withdrew, Ruoning Yin of China, Paula Creamer and Lindsey Weaver-Wright of America, Jiwon Jeon and Haeran Ryu of South Korea, A Lim Kim of North Korea and Minami Katsu of Japan also withdrew from the event.
The LPGA stated that medical professionals on site have treated several athletes for symptoms related to a viral infection. The organization is working closely with tournament organizers to provide advice and assistance to the LPGA athletes to take precautions and maintain good health. The tour has a week off before heading to Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the U.S Women’s Open.
