Friday, August 1, 2008

Fudoh, Shin Lead Women's British Open After 2nd Round - Inkster Lurks.


Yuri Fudoh of Japan and Ji-Yai Shin from Korea mirrored each others scores to share the lead at the halfway mark of the RICOH Women's British Open. Both penciled 66, 68, 134 totals to split a one shot lead over resurgent Juli Inkster. Inkster's 65, 70, 135 left her one shot clear of Bo Bae Song and Cristie Kerr. At -7 was the three way tie of Natalie Gulbis, Ai Miyazato, and ever- favorite Lorena Ochoa. An additional ten players were within 5 shots of the lead, well within striking distance. Among them was Laura Diaz, owner of the bizarre round of the day. Diaz carded 3 eagles on the day on the 1st, 10th, and 11th holes. She missed a 30 ft. eagle putt on the 14th for what would have been a record four eagles in one round. Still, she finished with a 72 that left her at -6, four shots back. Five bogeys and a double bogey added to the roller coaster appearance of Diaz' card. Kerr had the round of the day propelled by six birdies and an eagle for a 65 that put her right in the thick of the race.

Notables include Ya-Ni Tseng at -5, Suzann Pettersen at -4, Paula Creamer, -3, Annika making the cut at even par, and Laura Davies, playing on the weekend at +1. Jeong Jang, one of the pre-tournament favorites withdrew and Morgan Pressel missed the cut.

78 players will tee it up for the weekend, which is the top 65 and ties. $2,100,000.00 is at stake. Rainy outbursts peppered today's round and I'd expect nothing less for the final two rounds. Saturday's results should lend some shape to the final round. Expect it to be tight at the end. Can't wait.

Til' next,

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