Jang Ha-na, who battled back problems in the first round that forced her to alter her swing, extended her lead after the second round of the LPGA Tour’s weather-hit Marathon Classic on Friday.
The South Korean carded a four-under 67 to take a two-stroke clubhouse lead over Baek Kyu-jung as play was suspended because of lightning.
Jang, who is seeking her first win on the USLPGA Tour, was bothered by back pain in the opening round. Not only did she have to gingerly bend over and reach down to pick up balls, but she also had to use one hand on her follow through instead of the usual two hands.
“It feels much better today than yesterday,” said Jang, who had a one-shot lead entering the second round and finished 36 holes at nine-under 133. “Body is a little bit tight, but my swing is very good because it is just a one handed swing yesterday. No pressure on impact.”
The start of the second round was delayed by two-and-a-half hours at the Highland Meadows Golf Club due to poor weather. With darkness drawing near, lightning flashed in the area and halted play briefly.
A total of 54 players still needed to complete their second rounds.
Baek also shot a four-under 67 and was alone in second at seven-under 135.
China’s Feng Shanshan (67), Dewi Claire Schreefel (68) of the Netherlands and Australia’s Sarah Kemp (69) were one shot further back, tied for third at six-under.
“I’m happy that I actually finished the second round today so I have a lot more time to rest tomorrow and just get ready and be fresh for the weekend,” Feng said.
Taiwan’s Yani Tseng had improved to a tie for 10th being four-under overall through 16 holes in her second round after a first-round 71. Her compatriot Hsu Wei-Ling was also on four-under overall, though she dropped from her share of second place.
Fellow countrywoman Min Lee was four strokes back on even par and Candie Kung was tied for 49th on two-over.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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