Haeran Ryu has taken control of the AIG Women’s Open after 36 holes, posting a two-under 69 in her second round to reach seven-under overall at Royal Lytham & St Annes. The world No. 3 recovered from an early struggles, being three over after five holes before collecting five birdies for the remainder of her round. Her performance maintains her bid to become the first player since Inbee Park to capture three consecutive major championships.
Ryu’s lead stands at one stroke over Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki, who carded a second-round 70 to post five-under. Overnight leader Jeeno Thitikul sits at four-under, one shot behind Kuwaki, while American Yealimi Noh occupies the same position. World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who won the opening two majors of the season, improved with a 68 in round two to reach one-under and remains a contender for her third major victory this season.
Despite her runner-up status in major championships, Charley Hull of England posted a level-par 71 to sit at two-under, five shots back. Hull battled inconsistency with mixed play throughout her round, offsetting an early bogey with birdies before dropping shots later in the round, though she recovered with a chip-in birdie at the 17th. British world No. 5 Lottie Woad also finished at two-under with a 71, moving within range of the lead before late bogeys at the 14th and 18th cost her momentum.
Defending champion Miyu Yamashita failed to make the cut after shooting 77 with a quadruple-bogey, while other contenders remain positioned to challenge over the weekend. Several players sit at one-under, including 2024 champion Lydia Ko, former major winner Celine Boutier, and England’s Mimi Rhodes. The tournament continues with live coverage on Sky Sports Golf.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI