Aussie remains in hunt for first LPGA Tour title
Starting her Saturday in a tie for 20th, the 27-year-old from the Gold Coast enjoyed birdies on holes three through six, plus on the ninth, 17th and 18th.
Bogeys on 15 and 16 saw her card a five-under 66 to sit in a tie for sixth at eight under, while compatriot Karis Davidson (68) is a further three shots back.
They're both chasing Ilhee Lee, who shot a three-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead over four players into the third round.
Tied for the first-round lead with Elizabeth Szokol after a 63, Lee rebounded from a double bogey on the par-4 eighth with a closing birdie on the par-5 ninth. The 36-year-old South Korean had an 11-under 131 total on Seaview's Bay Course.
"Today was totally different day, completely different day, and I knew it was going to be completely different day, so I didn't have any expectations," Lee, who won the 2013 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic for her lone tour title, said.
"Just like I did yesterday, I was just playing golf. Have fun out there. Made some birdies on first nine."
Szokol (69) dropped into a tie for second in the 54-hole event with fellow American Jennifer Kupcho (64) and Japanese players Ayaka Furue (66) and Mao Saigo (65), who had an albatross on the par-5 third.
"Just trying to stay patient all day," Szokol said.
"Didn't quite have things go as great as yesterday but still playing really good golf."
Kupcho birdied the final two holes in her late afternoon round.
"Wasn't hitting the ball super great off the tee, but at least out here it's manageable out of the rough or fairway bunkers," Kupcho said.
"Was just really giving myself opportunities."
Second-ranked Jeeno Thitikul shot her second 68 to get to six under, while world No.1 Nelly Korda (66) was five under.
Maja Stark, the US Women's Open winner last week at Erin Hills, missed the cut with rounds of 70 and 75. Defending champion Linnea Strom also dropped out, shooting 72-75.
With AP.
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- News.com.au
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2 hours ago
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