NAPLES (United States): Carlota Ciganda, who made a move up the leaderboard in the middle of her round, jumped into a share of the lead after 36 holes of the windy LPGA Tour Championship.
The 24-year-old Spanish golfer fired a five-under 67 on Friday to join first round leader Julieta Granada at seven-under-par 137.
Paraguay’s Julieta, a one-time winner on the US Tour, carded a one-under 71.
Carlota is seeking her first win on the US Tour. She has four international victories, including three on the European Tour which named her rookie of the year in 2012.
“It wasn’t an easy day out there,” said Carlota of the breezy conditions at the Tiburon Golf Club course.
“It was pretty windy. I’ve been playing good the last couple of months and today my putting was really good. So I’m very happy with my game and really looking forward to the weekend.”
Morgan Pressel shot a six-under 66 to vault into sole possession of third place at six-under 138. US Women’s Open champion Michelle Wie carded a 67 and is tied for fourth with Sarah Jane Smith (69) and Sandra Gal (71).
World No 2 Stacy Lewis struggled to a two-over 74 and she is tied for 15th with defending champion Feng Shanshan, of China, at one-under 143. Feng shot a three-under 69.
Stacy, world No 1 Park In-Bee (74) and 17-year-old Lydia Ko (71) are the only players who control their own destiny and can take home the season-ending US$1 million Tour bonus with an outright win this week. AFP