Rank outsider Hana Wakimoto stayed two shots clear at the halfway stage of the LPGA Tour’s Japan Classic on Friday as Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn moved up to tied second on the leaderboard.
Japan’s world No 236 Wakimoto carded a four-under-par 68 to move to 13 under overall.
The 27-year-old, who equalled the 18-hole tournament scoring record with a 63 on the opening day, had one bogey and five birdies at Seta Golf Course.
Jutanugarn, a two-time Major winner, was 11-under after two rounds along with American Yealimi Noh.
Jutanugarn shot a six-under 66 in a bogey-free second round that featured six birdies.
South Korea’s Ko Young-jin shot 70, leaving her in tied fifth at nine-under.
The former world No 1 and two-time Major winner made three birdies but blotted her copybook with a bogey on the 17th hole.
Reigning US Open champion Yuka Saso improved to eight under after carding 67.
Saso was tied with Japan’s Ayaka Furue, who won the Evian Championship in July for her first major, and South Korea’s Ryu Hae-ran.
Australia’s Minjee Lee tumbled down the leaderboard to a share of 52nd after a 75.
South Africa’s Paula Reto was one over par (T71) after carding 76.
© Agence France-Presse
