Kang Chae-yeon, an unknown player who seized the chance to compete as an alternate at the KLPGA Tour Jeju Samdasoo Masters, has taken the lead and is now eyeing her first career victory.

Kang, who lost her regular tour seed late last year and has been playing on the second-tier tour this season, secured a spot on the tee box by pure luck after several players withdrew, leaving her high on the alternate list.

After surging to a surprise lead in the second round yesterday (August 7), she held her ground effortlessly today in a head-to-head shot showdown in the same group as Park Min-ji, who boasts 20 career wins on the regular tour.

Shaving another 3 strokes off her score, Kang maintained her lead for the second consecutive day by a 1-stroke margin, fueling anticipation for her debut victory.

Park Min-ji, who is challenging the record for the most wins in KLPGA history, sits in a tie for sixth place, 5 strokes behind the leader.