THE MODERATOR: Cassie Porter, first of all, would you like to share yourself a little bit? Very good performance today and 7-under; how do you feel?
CASSIE PORTER: Yeah, I'm super happy. I've had a big week already. Not feeling too great. Under the weather a little bit. So it's really nice to post a good score into the weekend.
Q. Do you know the situation of Bailey Tardy? Did you learn some experience from her?
CASSIE PORTER: Yeah, I actually played half a practice round with her on Tuesday, so, yeah, that was really great. Obviously see knows the place really well. And she's a lovely human being, so it was really nice playing with her being a defending champion.
And, yeah, got a few tips.
Q. She has first win here. I mean, you also follow her step and won your first win here?
CASSIE PORTER: Yeah, absolutely. It's always the goal to win, or just to be in contention, but absolutely. She's paved an amazing pathway, and being a rookie, that would be pretty special if I come away with a win.
Q. You said before that you love hole No. 18. You still like that hole No. 18? After two rounds, how do you feel about play in the 18th hole?
CASSIE PORTER: Yeah, it's a tricky hole. Today into the wind was a different hole altogether really, so, yeah, I'm liking my chances. I still love it, so that's a good sign.
Q. We just look at you, that you show us now you're happy through all the day today. Is it your plan, your strategy for every tournament, or just because you play so well today?
CASSIE PORTER: Yeah, I mean, I think I'm a genuinely happy person. I'm just grateful to be here and having fun. If you see me smiling it's pretty genuine. I'm always going to be smiling.
Yeah, I'm just happy to be here.
Q. (Regarding some communication with Chinese players.)
CASSIE PORTER: What's the question? Sorry.
Q. Did you have any interaction with any of the Chinese players here, and can you share some of those stories?
CASSIE PORTER: Yeah, I haven't yet actually. Hopefully I get to play with some on the weekend. I'm ashamed to admit I did do Chinese for six years in primary school and I haven't retained too much. I can say hello and goodbye, but I'll try my best. I'm always open to learning new things ck.
Q. Tomorrow you'll be like last group to start, leading group. So any expectation? Nervous? Set any goal for tomorrow in third round?
CASSIE PORTER: Yeah, I think I'll definitely be a little nervous. I think that's totally okay. It means it means something to me. Obviously be my first time in contention on the LPGA Tour in my second event. I'm excited.
My goal for the weekend is just to have fun, enjoy it. I'm planning to have a long career on the LPGA hopefully, so, yeah, just go out and enjoy it and have fun and hopefully come out.
Q. Our media journalist just said you were born on the same year and same month with our Chinese player Ruoning. She definitely very great player. Any inspiration by the player? Totally the same generation as you?
CASSIE PORTER: Yeah, gosh, I watched Ruoning on TV quite a bit the last few years. She has a great personality and I think that's what I really want to show on the LPGA, be genuine and show my personality.
Yeah, she's an amazing golfer and human. She played with Bailey and I on Monday as well. Yeah, she's great.
Q. There is some of the Chinese player also was playing in Epson Tour.
CASSIE PORTER: Yes.
Q. Any memory that you connect with them?
CASSIE PORTER: Yeah, absolutely. I played with a couple of them last year and they're all very lovely and welcoming, so it's amazing to be able to play in their country, in their home. Hopefully they can come to Australia one day, too.
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FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports