Sweden’s Sophie Gustafson fired a three-under 69 to maintain her slim lead after Friday’s second round of the LPGA’s CVS Challenge.
Gustafson moved to 10-under 134 for a one-stroke lead over China’s Feng Shanshan, Sweden’s Maria Hjorth and world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa of Mexico.
World No. 4 Yani Tseng of Taiwan carded a two-under 70 to be in a group on five-under. Teresa Lu also shot a 70 to sit in tied 24th on three-under, while Candie Kung matched them, her 70 leaving her on one-under after two rounds. Taiwan’s Amy Hung carded a 73 and missed the cut on three-over.
PHOTO: AFP
Gustafson is seeking her first win since the 2003 Samsung World Championship. She has runner-up finishes in each of the past five years, but no victories.
Starting the day with a two-shot lead, Gustafson seized sole possession of the lead on Friday on par-four 17. She reached the green off the tee, then two-putted for a birdie. Gustafson said she was surprised to be leading the tournament despite some poor putting.
“I’m playing good so that obviously helps a lot.” she said. “The irons and driving, but the putting is not good.”
Feng rolled in six birdies, including on holes 17 and 18, en route to a five-under 67.
Feng said she didn’t settle into her second round after she carded a bogey on the 12th hole.
“At the beginning of the day, I was a little bit nervous, because I have not played that well on the first day in a long time,” Feng said. “I was just a little bit nervous so I missed a little par putt on the 12th hole. After I missed that par putt I just relaxed and tried to make some birdie putts.”
Feng said the setup at the Blackhawk Country Club course suits her style of play.
“I know the course pretty well,” Feng said. “I think we are not playing too long this time and I’m kind of like a long player. So, on all of the par-fives, I have chances of getting it on the green in two. So, it’s easy to make birdies or eagles.”
Ochoa equaled that score, while Hjorth carded a 66. Ochoa’s round featured an eagle on the par-five 11th, which she followed with a birdie on the 12th.
Ochoa has clung to her No. 1 ranking despite going winless in her last 10 starts. The Mexican star has dominated the women’s game over the past four seasons.
“I think I am giving myself a lot of birdie chances,” Ochoa said. “For the weekend, I will keep it exactly the same.”
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY STAFF WRITER
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