Miyu Yamashita took a three-shot lead at the AIG Women’s Open after firing a bogey-free 65 in Friday’s second round at Royal Porthcawl.
The Japanese star, who turns 24 on Saturday, took full advantage of calmer morning conditions to reach 11 under par following an opening 68. Playing partner Rio Takeda, who led overnight, posted a 69 to move to eight under and retain second place.
The two will tee it up together again in Saturday’s final group, with a four-shot gap to the nearest chasers at four under.
“My pairing with Takeda allowed us to play in good rhythm,” said Yamashita. “It’s rare for two Japanese players to play together in a major, so it was great.”
Yamashita, who tied for second at the 2023 Women’s PGA Championship, credited her accuracy off the tee for Friday’s strong showing.
“My tee shots were very consistent, so I was able to hit from the fairway,” she said. “I haven’t particularly worried about expected scores. I just played with my day in mind, so I’m glad that my score worked out.”
England’s Lottie Woad looked poised to post a low round before a triple-bogey seven at the par-four 16th halted her momentum. She finished the day on two under, level with world No 1 Nelly Korda, who signed for an even-par 72.
Defending champion Lydia Ko of New Zealand made the weekend on the cut line at two over, while Australia’s Steph Kyriacou produced the tournament’s first ace at the par-three 8th.
South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai shot consecutive rounds of 73 to sit on two-over-par and in a share of 36th at the AIG Women’s Open.
Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
