Joel Dahmen and Lilia Vu Snaps Back as Nelly Korda Wins the ‘Event Favorite’ Tag Over the World No.1 Player

The fans in a sport always have their pick of the field during a tournament. And, similar is the case in the Grant Thornton Invitational, as the community already went ahead to designate their favorites in the event, none other than Nelly Korda’s team instead of Lilia Vu and her partner.

Although the latter holds the top spot on the Rolex World rankings, the LPGA Covergirl’s team, along with Tony Finau, has already captivated many hearts. However, when it was pointed out, the World No. 1 and Joel Dahmen, her teammate were quick to retort to the same.

Team Lilia Vu replies to Team FiNelly being the favorites

The co-sanctioned event is going to kick off on 8th December. Vu and Dahmen would take on the young guns Rose Zhang and Sahith Theegala during the 3rd match of the week. However, their attention came to land on not their upcoming opponents, but on another team, the Korda-Finau duo.

In a press conference ahead of the event, the team was asked whether they were okay with the 25-year-old and her partner being the “betting favorites.” Responding to the question, the PGA Tour pro mentioned how they are “going to be just fine” if he can “play somewhat OK” this week. Moreover, he even referred to his OWGR ranking as he alluded to how “there’s a reason” for him making just four cuts in 2023 while “hoping not to be the weakest link.”

However, the world No.1 on the Rolex rankings was quick to interject and express belief in themselves. Adding on, she said, ” I don’t think we have like any less of a chance of winning though” as she retorted swiftly to the ‘favorites’ query. Continuing after his partner’s reply, Dahmen divulged how their “team’s going to have more fun than everyone else” all the while dubbing it as the “number one thing.”

The duo has thus proved their teamwork even before entering the greens as the pair went ahead to support each other during the interview. However, in the case of the fan-favorite Korda and Finau, the two were able to put on a different, albeit humorous side to their team.

Team FiNelly puts on a witty side

The PGA Tour pro revealed how they have started calling themselves Team FiNelly, while putting their names together. Moreover, he also went ahead to call themselves “Certified Fresh,” while referring to his teammate as “Certified Finau Fresh.” Well, what about the LPGA Covergirl? She was pretty happy as well as the golfer took to the interview to convey the same.

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What’s more, the  34-year-old expressed his admiration for the 1X major champ as well. He disclosed how her game looks “even better up close” as opposed to what he initially thought, to which Korda couldn’t help but blush.

Well, both the members of the two teams seem to be doing well with each other. The fans can look forward to a good tournament of golf this coming weekend. Which team do you think will clinch the trophy? Let us know in the comments below.

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