Haeran Ryu of South Korea has taken the lead after the second round of the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Ryu, 25, is one shot ahead of Japan's Shiho Kuwaki after finishing the round at seven under par.
Ryu is pursuing a historic achievement, aiming to become only the fifth woman to win three major championships in a single calendar year. Her strong performance follows recent victories at the Evian Championship and another major just two weeks prior.
Despite an early stumble with three over par through five holes on Friday, Ryu rallied with five birdies to finish the round under par. "The last hole is so important as it is always good for tomorrow, I always want to make a good score on the last hole," Ryu told BBC Sport. "I've had two birdies on it, which is a good thing. I just stayed patient after that [the tough start] and I made some birdies to finish under par. I am so happy now."
Kuwaki moved into second place at six under par after a one-under-par round, capitalizing on a faltering performance from previous leader Yealimi Noh, who is now tied with Thailand's Arpichaya Yubol at five under par.
Other notable contenders include England's Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, both at two under par. World number one Nelly Korda improved her standing with a 68 to move to one under par, a score also matched by three-time major champion Lydia Ko. England's Mimi Rhodes is also at one under par.