Helen Alfredsson shot a course record nine-under 63 on Friday to sit one shot behind leader Angela Park after the second round of the Evian Masters.
Park shot a 68 in her second straight bogey-free round, giving her a 10-under total of 134.
The 43-year-old Alfredsson made four birdies on the front nine and five on the back at the Evian Royal Resort to beat the old course mark of 64 held by six players.
PHOTO: AFP
“This is my favorite stop on the Tour, period,” the 1994 and 1998 Evian winner said. “To have a course record is very special. I know the course so well and obviously love it here.”
Five players are another shot back on eight-under — 2003 champion Juli Inkster, Cristie Kerr of the US, South Korean duo Kim In-kyung and Meena Lee and Candie Kung of Taiwan.
Overnight leader Lorena Ochoa is at six-under after shooting a one-over 73 following her 65 on Thursday.
Alfredsson stormed through the field after sitting in joint 41st place overnight following a 72 on Thursday. She went to eight-under at the par-five 15th, but then missed birdie putts at the next two holes.
At the par-five 18th, her chip from a bunker landed 7 feet from the flag to set up the last birdie. After making the putt, she pumped her fist and shared hugs with playing partners Sherri Steinhauer of the US and Mhairi McKay of Scotland.
The course record continues Alfredsson’s revival after last season was ruined by a back injury.
She was second in the US Women’s Open last month, finishing four strokes behind Inbee Park at Interlachen, Minnesota, and has climbed from 116th to 42nd in the world rankings.
Alfredsson will pair up with the 19-year-old Park in the third round.
“It’s a great honor to have a chance to play with Helen,” said Park, a Brazil-born South Korean who became a US citizen last month. “I know she played really well at the Open. I know we’re going to have a lot of fun. She’s a great person.”
Park edged into the lead with a recovery shot to within a foot of the flag from the same bunker on 18 that Alfredsson found earlier.
Park said she had to overcome early nerves playing alongside the top-ranked Ochoa, who three-putted the first green and made four bogeys in her round.
Paula Creamer moved closer to contention at five-under after a 69 that featured three birdies and no bogeys.
Annika Sorenstam birdied the final two holes for a 69 to sit at four-under, tied for 16th place with a group that includes defending champion Natalie Gulbis of the US.
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