Yani Tseng
Defending champion Yani Tseng leads the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open by two strokes at 9-under par as play was officially called off at 6.15pm as a severe thunder storm brewed over Commonwealth Golf Club.
Tseng, who played in the morning, built on her opening round 3-under par 70 and carded a bogey free 6-under par 67.
“It very exciting to be on top again. I know Jiyai is three shots back and I know she is going to finish strong. I played very solid today. I made more putts than yesterday. My driving was very good and so were the second shots,” Tseng said.
Defending her title at Commonwealth would be the perfect way to start her quest in 2011 for top spot.
“I want to be world No. 1. I was trying last year but I could not get there. This year I think I have a very good chance,” Tseng said.
2009 US Open champion Eun Hee Ji finished at 7-under par, tied second with overnight co-leader Jiyai Shin who was on the 16th hole when play was called.
Ji put down some of her improvement to work with coach Ian Triggs, who works with a number of leading players worldwide including Karrie Webb.
“I am working on my short game with him and getting better,” Ji said.
American Jennifer Song is in fourth place and recovered from two bogeys to shoot an even-par 73 and remain at 6-under par.
Five players were tied in fifth place at 5-under par, led by Canberra’s Nikki Campbell who was at 1-under par in her round on the 17th hole when play was called.
Katherine Hull moved into a tie for 16th following her second round 2-under par 71 alongside Karrie Webb at 2-under. Webb has two holes to play to complete her round.
Second round play will recommence at 7.30am on Saturday morning. 58 players were yet to complete their second round.
The third round will be a two tee start due to begin around 11am on Saturday following the cut.
