New York (AFP) - Lydia Ko's reign as world No. 1 is set to end on Sunday, but it remains unclear just who will replace her atop the summit at Sunday's conclusion of the LPGA ShopRite Classic.
According to LPGA projections, either South Korean Ryu So Yeon or Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn will take over the top spot come Monday.
The two have been closing in on New Zealand's Ko for weeks, and Ryu is in the driver's seat this week as the only player in the trio teeing it up at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club near Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Ryu, ranked third in the world, can leapfrog world No. 2 Ariya to seize No. 1 if she finishes third or better - although a tie for second or third could open the door for Jutanugarn.
If Ryu is fourth or worse, Ariya will rise to No. 1, the LPGA has projected.
"Since I dreamed about the LPGA Tour I also dreamed about becoming the No. 1 player in the world," Ryu said this week as she prepared for Friday's opening round.
"I definitely want to become No. 1 at some point, and I'm working really hard for that as well.
"But I think the more important thing is to enjoy this moment and enjoy playing golf. I believe that will get me to No. 1."
Ko has held the top spot for 84 straight weeks and 103 weeks overall.
The 26-year-old Ryu thrust herself into the race for No. 1 with a victory in the year's first major, the ANA Inspiration - where her playoff victory came after American Lexi Thompson was controversially penalised in the middle of the final round for an infraction on the previous day.
