Overnight leader maintains lead at Women’s Australian Open

ADELAIDE, Australia – Overnight leader Jin Young Ko shot a 3-under 69 on Friday to increase her lead to three strokes after two rounds of the Women’s Australian Open.

The South Korean had a 36-hole total of 10-under 134 on the Kooyonga Golf Club course.

Ko said: “I like this course … Korean courses are more long and narrow. But here it is wider, so stress is less.”

American Emma Talley, the 2013 U.S.amateur champion, was in second place after a 69, following her opening 68.

“Yesterday my short game was unbelievable and I kind of kept it going all day,” Talley said. “I actually missed a few putts around today but that’s OK, I’m just going to stay patient and hopefully tomorrow they’ll sink.”

Former No. 1 and 2013 Australian winner Jiyai Shin was another stroke behind and tied for third after a 71 in the second event on the LPGA Tour this season. Sun Young Hoo was also four strokes behind after a 70.

Another former No. 1, Lydia Ko, shot 74 and was eight strokes behind. England veteran Laura Davies shot 71 and was nine shots from the lead.

Australian veteran and five-time Australian champion Karrie Webb had five bogeys and a double bogey on her way to a 78 and missed the cut. Webb, who had played just once since September, and that was in a team event, has said she will play a part-time schedule this year.

Brooke Henderson also missed the cut after a 76, tied for 81st with Webb.