World No. 1 Nellie Korda was three strokes away from the half-time lead on the LPGA Tour Mizuho Americas Open earlier than sickness pressured a number of gamers to withdraw.
Korda ended her five-game profitable streak after Zhang Xinyu gained the Kochi Founders Cup on Sunday, taking pictures a 4-under 68 after an opening-round 70 to enter the weekend at 6-under.
The American blended 5 birdies and one bogey to turn into one in every of 4 gamers tied for third, with Atthaya Thitikul ending two photographs behind with a second-round 65. The benefit is So Mi Lee.
Taking part in in her third match this yr resulting from a left thumb harm, Titiku birdied 5 of her ultimate seven holes to complete with a bogey-free end on the Free Nationals and strengthen her Hopes of attaining this outcome for the primary time since 2022.
Atthaya Thitikul hasn’t gained on LPGA Tour since September 2022
“I raced with Ataya right now and my rounds felt like shit in comparison with her race,” mentioned Korda, who raced in the identical group because the half-distance chief. “She’s been enjoying phenomenal golf the final two days. I am excited to be part of it; trailing by three on the midway level, however hopefully I can do my greatest.”
Ariya Jutanugarn (68), Gabriela Ruffels (70) and Mao Saigo (70) are tied with Korda for third at 6 beneath, leaving eight gamers one shot behind whereas England’s Charley Hull is in back-to-back The lead was solely 5 strokes from the midway mark.
Atthaya Thitikul hasn’t gained on LPGA Tour since September 2022
Lexi Thompson, Allisen Corpuz, Danielle Kang and Lydia Ko are among the many former main champions who missed the minimize. Final week’s winner and defending champion Zhang withdrew on Thursday resulting from sickness, one in every of many gamers who withdrew in the course of the competitors.
A press release from the LPGA Tour mentioned: “A complete of 10 gamers have withdrawn from the Mizuho American Open since Thursday’s begin.
“Three of them withdrew resulting from accidents and others resulting from numerous illnesses. Medical professionals on web site have handled a number of athletes with signs associated to the viral an infection.
“The LPGA and match organizers will proceed to watch the state of affairs intently and work collectively to advise and help LPGA athletes on precautionary measures to make sure everybody’s well being.”
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