The US’ Morgan Pressel is threatening to end South Korean-born golfers’ domination of the early LPGA season after firing an eight-under-par 64 on Friday to tie for the second round lead of the Kia Classic in southern California.
Pressel, who tied the course record, joins South Korean Lee Mi-rim at 10-under-par.
South Korean-born players have won all six of the LPGA’s tournaments so far this year, but Pressel is looking to bring that run to an end and earn her first victory since 2008.
Photo: AFP
Teeing off in the morning, Pressel made four birdies on each nine without dropping a shot.
First round leader Lee followed up her opening 65 with a three-under-par 69 at the Aviara course in Carlsbad.
US golfers Cristie Kerr and Alison Lee are a shot behind with a group of four players two strokes back at eight-under-par.
World No. 1 Lydia Ko is within reach at seven-under following her two-under-par 70.
Five-time major champion Yani Tseng plummeted down the leaderboard after her four-over-par 76 left her on two-under.
Tseng, who has not won an LPGA tournament since 2012, started the day just a stroke back after a 66 in round one.
She fell behind compatriots Candie Kung, who was on four-under-par for the tournament after shooting a 69, and Hsu Wei-ling, on two-under-par after another 71, while Lee Min missed the cut after a 75.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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