After defeating Choi Ga-bin in Friday morning's round of 16, Park Gyeol said, "Since this is my first quarterfinal in my life, I'm honestly a little nervous." But Park went on to win the afternoon quarterfinal as well, joining her "first-ever semifinal."
At the Doosan Match Play continuing Friday at Ladena Golf Club in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, the biggest upset was once again Park Gyeol's advance to the semifinals.
After edging Choi Ga-bin by two holes in a tight round of 16 match that went all the way to the final hole, Park beat Choi Ye-rim 2 and 1 in the quarterfinals.
Park's appearance in the round of 16 itself was her first in 10 years. She reached the round of 16 in 2016 but failed to advance to the quarterfinals. She had not made it to the round of 16 since.
Her performance this year has also been far from impressive. After tying for 31st in The Siena Open, her first event of the season, she has missed the cut in four consecutive tournaments. She ranks exactly 100th on the prize money list at 8.3 million won. Among the players who advanced to the round of 16 in this tournament, Park ranked the lowest in driving distance at 110th (221.67 yards). Her semifinal run has come against the worst possible circumstances. After defeating tough opponent Yoo Hyun-jo in the second match of the group stage and beating her again in a playoff, Park's underdog drama is still unfolding.
Park will face Choi Eun-woo in the semifinals for a spot in the final. Choi reached the semifinals after defeating Yoo Seo-yeon 2 in the round of 16 and Noh Seung-hee in the quarterfinals.
If Park defeats Choi Eun-woo, she will face the winner between Bang Shin-sil and Hong Jin-young 2 in the final. Hong Jin-young 2 advanced after consecutive wins over Ahn Song-yi and Hong Jung-min, while Bang Shin-sil reached the semifinals by defeating Shin Da-in and Seo Kyo-rim.
