Haeran Ryu recovered from a shaky start to post a two-under 69 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, claiming a one-stroke halfway lead at the AIG Women’s Open, according to tournament reports. Ryu sits at seven under par overall, aiming to become the first player since Inbee Park to win three consecutive majors after securing victories earlier this season at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship.
How the Leaderboard Shaped Up at Royal Lytham
Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki sits in second place at six under par after carding a second-round 70 to secure the early clubhouse lead, as reported by tournament coverage. Overnight leader Jeeno Thitikul dropped back to five under par following a second-round 73, tied alongside American Solheim Cup hopeful Yealimi Noh. World No 3 Ryu overcame being three over par through her opening five holes on Friday by rattling off five birdies to reclaim the top spot on the leaderboard.
Chasing Pack Led by Home Hopes Lottie Woad and Charley Hull
English contenders Lottie Woad and Charley Hull finished the second round five strokes off the lead at two under par, according to event summaries. Woad reached within two shots of the lead before dropping bogeys on the 14th and 18th holes to finish with a level-par 71. Hull posted an identical 71 after managing only three hours of sleep ahead of her tee time, rebounding from dropped shots on the 10th and 15th with a dramatic chip-in birdie from a bunker at the par-four 17th.
“Really looking forward to it,” Hull told reporters regarding her weekend outlook. “It’s going to be loads of fun. I feel like now my nerves have settled down. Not too far back going into the weekend – better than I was last year!”
Nelly Korda and Defending Champions Fight for Position
World No 1 Nelly Korda carded an improved second-round 68, lifting her to one under par and keeping her in contention alongside Ryu. Defending champion Miyu Yamashita missed the cut after signing off with a 77 that included a quadruple-bogey, while 2024 champion Lydia Ko and former major winner Celine Boutier joined Korda at one under par.
Did you know? Haeran Ryu is attempting to join elite company by securing a third consecutive major title, a feat last accomplished in women’s golf by Inbee Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the AIG Women’s Open at the halfway stage?
Haeran Ryu holds the 36-hole lead at seven under par after shooting a second-round 69 at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
Where do English players Charley Hull and Lottie Woad stand?
Both Hull and Woad are at two under par, five strokes behind leader Haeran Ryu heading into the weekend rounds.
When will the European Solheim Cup team be finalized?
Team Europe’s eight automatic qualifiers will be confirmed on Sunday evening, followed by captain Anna Nordqvist’s picks on Monday afternoon.
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