In Goyang, South Korea, the United States team showcased an impeccable performance at the LPGA International Crown tournament, securing its third and fourth fourball victories and bringing an end to world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul`s impressive unbeaten streak in the team competition. American duo Yealimi Noh and Angel Yin confidently defeated Thitikul and Pajaree Anannarukarn with a score of 5 and 4, marking Thitikul`s first loss after six consecutive match wins in the event. Following this, Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin clinched another fourball victory for the U.S., overcoming Chanettee Wannasaen and Jasmine Suwannapura 3 and 2 at the New Korea Country Club.
Having previously secured two wins against China on Thursday, the top-seeded U.S. team stands as the only undefeated squad in the tournament. They lead Pool A with four points, guaranteeing their place in Sunday`s semifinals. All eight teams are scheduled to play a third round of fourball matches on Saturday.
In Pool A, Australia and China split their fourball matches on Friday. Minjee Lee and Stephanie Kyriacou triumphed over Zhang Weiwei and Liu Yan 2 and 1, while China`s Yin Ruoning and Ruixin Liu edged out Australians Hannah Green and Grace Kim 1-up.
Pool B also saw Japan and Sweden splitting their Friday matches. Miyu Yamashita and Rio Takeda defeated Madelene Sagstrom and Ingrid Lindblad 3 and 2. However, Maja Stark and Linn Grant secured a victory for Sweden, beating Mao Saigo and Ayaka Furue 3 and 2.
The `World team` earned 1.5 points against South Korea, now leading Pool B with three points from two wins and two ties. England`s Charley Hull, partnered with New Zealander Lydia Ko from the `World team`, sank a crucial 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, securing a 1-up win over Hyo Joo Kim and Hye-Jin Choi. Jin Young Ko and Haeran Ryu played to a tie with Wei-Ling Hsu of Taiwan and Canada`s Brooke Henderson. Hull remarked on her decisive putt, stating her intention to sink it to avoid any added pressure.
According to the tournament format, seven countries and a `rest of the world` team compete, divided into two pools. Team compositions and player selections are based on the women`s world rankings. The top two teams from each pool will advance to Sunday`s semifinals and final, which will consist of one foursomes (alternate shot) and two singles matches.
The LPGA`s Asian swing continues next week with events in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, followed by competitions in Shiga, Japan, from November 6-9. This follows Sei Young Kim`s victory at the BMW Ladies Championship, also held in South Korea, last week.
Jasper Carew 
Rupert Hollis