Mizuho Americas Open: Health Concerns Cause 10 Withdrawals, Seven Due to Illness

In recent days, health concerns have been raised at the Mizuho Americas Open in Jersey City, New Jersey as ten players have withdrawn from the event due to various reasons. Seven of these players cited illnesses as their reason for withdrawing, with LPGA officials expressing their worries about the situation.

The trend of withdrawals began during the first round when defending champion Rose Zhang had to drop out after three holes due to an intestinal issue. However, two players who were near the top of the leaderboard entered the event on Thursday as alternates after Maja Stark and Caroline Masson also withdrew due to illness. Mi Lee took Stark’s spot while Mao Saigo replaced Masson. Currently, Lee is in second place, just two shots behind the halfway leader Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand, while Saigo is three shots back.

Three of the 10 players who withdrew cited injuries as their reason for dropping out. According to an official statement from the LPGA, medical professionals on site have treated multiple athletes for symptoms related to a viral infection. The LPGA and tournament organizers are closely monitoring the situation and are working together to provide advice and support to keep all athletes healthy.

Winners such as Ruoning Yin of China, Paula Creamer and Lindsey Weaver-Wright of America, Jiwon Jeon, Haeran Ryu, A Lim Kim of South Korea, and Minami Katsu of Japan are among those who have withdrawn from the event. The tour has a break next week before heading to Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the U.S. Women’s Open.