World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa fired her second consecutive seven-under 66 on Friday to grab a one-stroke lead after the second round of the US$1.3 million LPGA Corona Championship.
The Mexican star, who won her second major title in the row last week at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, seeks her 21st career title and fourth crown in five starts this year.
Ochoa sank her third eagle in two days to finish 36 holes at 14-under 132 for a one-stroke lead over South Korean Park In-bee, who fired a 64.
Ochoa, who fired five birdies and an eagle in a bogey-free round, is ready for a weekend chase for the crown.
“Well, it was a great day. No bogeys, I enjoyed that very much,” Ochoa said. “I’m going to for sure try to keep it up and go low one of the next two days. We have good conditions tomorrow and if it’s not windy, we can go low.”
Park birdied 10 holes, five each on the front and back nines, to match Ochoa’s course record and claim sole possession of second place.
“I think it’s a good thing to hold a course record,” Park said. “I’m very honored to tie the record. I played really well. My irons were very good and so was my putting. My driver was accurate, but I don’t hit it as far as Lorena.”
Park was second, two strokes ahead of first-round co-leader Kim Song-hee at 135. Kim birdied the first two holes but could not match the frantic pace set by Ochoa and Park, falling back with bogeys at nine and 13.
“I still feel good. I’m trying to focus on my game,” Kim said. “I did not play as well as yesterday, but I think I will do good tomorrow.”
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