Ji-Yai Shin |
Shin said: “Today I was worried about the wind because today it was a strong wind. Actually my plan is, every hole, save par, but I made three birdies and one eagle. Today I drove and putted well.”
Fudoh is hoping to become the second Japanese player to win a major, after Chako Higuchi who took the 1977 LPGA Championship. She would also be the second Japanese player to win the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Ayako Okamato won the 1984 event before it became a major championship in 2001.
”This course looks a little bit like some Japanese courses, but it is the result of everyone’s efforts,” said Fudo, through an interpreter, adding: “You know, the remaining two days is still a long way, and I’m just thinking about doing my best on each hole.”
Song, who was the youngest winner on the Ladies European Tour when she won the 2005 Samsung Ladies Masters in Singapore at the age of 18, shot 68, while Kerr matched Inkster’s opening round with a seven-under 65, which was the lowest round of the day.
“Conditions were a lot different today,” said Kerr. “To shoot 2 , 3 , 4 under today was great, and I shot 7, so I was very happy with the way I played today.”
Miyazato, yet to win on the LPGA Tour, shared sixth with the 2007 Evian Masters champion Natalie Gulbis and the defending champion, World No.1 Lorena Ochoa.
Annika Sorenstam, who is quitting competitive play at the end of the year, carded a second successive 72 and made the halfway cut by two strokes. The Swede was disappointed not to have mounted more of a challenge in what could be the last major championship of her career.
“This year, in general, pretty much since I made my announcement, I have not been able to get anything going. I’m not really sure what it is,” said Sorenstam.
“Both my caddie and Mike, we have analysed the last two and a half months to death, trying to figure out what’s happening.
“I have pride, I do, and I know what I’m capable of. I know I’m stepping away, but in my mind, I’m as good as I’ve ever been.
“Scores don’t reflect that, but in my heart and my head I believe it. So, to me, it’s more of keep fighting – it’s what I’ve been doing since I came out on tour and I’m not going to change it until my last day. To me, it’s all or nothing, through thick and thin.”