[Courtesy of LPGA]
Reigning US Women's Open champion Brittany Lang grabbed the halfway lead at the LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship on Friday, with the top player on the Korean tour lurking.
Lang shot a seven-under 65 in the second round at the par-72 Ocean Course at Sky 72 Golf & Resort, adjacent to Incheon International Airport. At 10-under through two rounds, Lang leads fellow American Alison Lee by one stroke.
This is the only LPGA tournament in South Korea each year. It's the third stop of the tour's Asian swing and boasts the strongest field so far, with 17 of the world's top 20 in action.
Lang drained five birdies and an eagle to follow up the first round 69. Lee, born in Los Angeles to Korean parents, followed her 65 with a 70 on Friday, mixing in three birdies and an eagle with three bogeys.
Park Sung-hyun, the money leader on the Korea LPGA (KLPGA) Tour this year with seven victories, moved into contention thanks to a 65 on Friday, sitting three back of Lang at halfway point. Park, who had nine birdies against two bogeys, is tied with Cristie Kerr of the United States, who also carded a 65 in the second round.
With little left to prove at home, Park, who has climbed to No. 9 in the world rankings in limited appearances on the LPGA Tour, may commit to the U.S. tour full-time next season.
Park set a course record here with a 10-under 62 in the first round last year. This year's first round didn't go as well -- Park shot a 72 Thursday -- but she said she tried to bring back positive vibes from a year ago.
"I was worried because the first round didn't go as well as I wanted, and I thought I had to get used to the greens here quickly," Park said. "I was a bit shaky with the irons early on, but the ball-striking got better as the round wore on. Obviously, I have fond memories from last year, and I figured I could go low again at some point this year."
(Yonhap)
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
