Rhodes Takes Lead After Strong Second Round

[Abdulwahid]

RIYADH: England's Mimi Rhodes delivered another impressive performance in the second round of the PIF Saudi Ladies International at Riyadh Golf Club, moving into the outright lead. She managed to hold off strong challenges from South Africa's Casandra Alexander and Japan's Chizzy Iwai in a tightly contested field.

The 24-year-old English golfer, recently crowned the Ladies European Tour's 2025 Rookie of the Year, carded a solid 69 to reach an overall total of 11-under-par. Her consistent play gave her a narrow one-shot advantage at the top of the leaderboard heading into the next stage of the competition.

Spain's Carlota Ciganda, another former Rookie of the Year with 12 professional victories to her name, sits just two shots off the lead in a tie for fourth place. She shares that position with Japan's Rio Takeda. Meanwhile, eight players are tied for sixth, while England's Charley Hull trails by four shots alongside former champion Patty Tavatanakit.

Speaking about her approach to the tournament, Rhodes expressed excitement at returning to competition after a two-month break. She explained that getting back into rhythm was important and that she focused mainly on holing putts, taking advantage of the well-prepared greens.

Rhodes also emphasized that she has tried to remain calm and patient throughout the event. Although she recognized the significance of the tournament as part of the PIF Global Series, she avoided placing too much pressure on herself and instead concentrated on performing steadily.

Beyond the competition, the second day of the tournament highlighted Golf Saudi's commitment to advancing women's sports. The WiMENA (Women in Middle East and North Africa) panels featured inspiring Saudi athletes, including sprinter Kariman Abuljadayel, record-setting open water rower, and Razan Al-Ajmi, the Kingdom's first female skydiver, along with members of the Saudi national rugby team and other prominent sports figures.

Ameera Marghalani, a pioneering member of the Saudi women's national rugby team, shared her hopes for the future of sports in the Kingdom. She expressed a desire to see greater nationwide support and envisioned more young girls and women participating in sports across all regions of Saudi Arabia, not only in major cities.

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