Ashleigh Buhai Expands Her Lead on Day 2 of the British Open

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MILTON KEYNES, England — Ashleigh Buhai stretched her surprising lead at the Women’s British Open to three shots on Friday, shooting a bogey-free five-under-par 67 in the second round.

Buhai, a 30-year-old South African who has never won on the L.P.G.A. tour, birdied four of the final eight holes and finished the day at 12 under for the tournament. Her best finish in the British Open is a tie for 30th in 2017.

“I’m trying not to keep thinking it’s a major,” said Buhai, who had a one-stroke lead after the first round. “It’s just another tournament. I just keep trying to do what I’ve done the last few weeks. I’ve kept the mistakes off the card the last two days.”

Alone in second at nine under was Hinako Shibuno, a 20-year-old rookie on the L.P.G.A. of Japan Tour who is making her debut on the L.P.G.A. tour and her first appearance in a major championship.

“I just wanted to make the cut; that’s all,” said Shibuno, who has two victories in Japan this year and is ranked 46th in the world.

Shibuno, who shot a 66 on Thursday, had a 69 on Friday, leading for much of the afternoon and wowing spectators at Woburn Golf Club with her fearless play.

Lizette Salas of the United States was third at eight under. She birdied the first four holes on her way to a bogey-free 67.

“Awesome day,” Salas said.

Bronte Law, at No. 19 the top-ranked English player, also shot a 67 and was four shots back, as were Céline Boutier, second-ranked Sung Hyun Park, Caroline Masson and Charley Hull, who is playing on her home course. Boutier had the day’s lowest round, a 66.

Danielle Kang, an American who went into the round one stroke off the lead, had a disappointing 72 on Friday and was six shots back.

“I don’t know, nothing really felt like yesterday,” Kang said. “I guess today was one of those off days, and yesterday was the day that everything comes together. But I know what I’m capable of. Even if I’m playing bad, I know I can give myself opportunities.”

The defending champion, Georgia Hall of England, was also six under after a 69, along with Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand (70), Carlota Ciganda of Spain (69) and top-ranked Ko Jin-young of South Korea, who was frustrated after a 70. Ko is seeking her third major title of the year after winning the Evian Championship in France last week.



Source : NYtimes