South Africa's Buhai leads Feng by a stroke on windy Hainan

AFP
China's Feng Shanshan, the world No. 3 who last week picked up her second win of the season, shot a 67 for the lowest round of the day and is just a shot back.
AFP
South Africa's Buhai leads Feng by a stroke on windy Hainan
SHINE

Ashleigh Buhai in action during the second round of the Blue Bay LPGA at Jian Lake Blue Golf Club on south China's Hainan Island on November 9, 2017. The South African fired a 4-under 68 to grab a one-shot lead over local favorite Feng Shanshan.

South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai coped admirably with swirling winds to battle her way to a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Blue Bay LPGA on Thursday.

"It played a lot tougher than the last few days," Buhai said. "The wind was more or less the same direction, just a bit stronger, so I think it helps being the same direction as you have an idea what to do. It was just a case of taking more club and just trying to play it with the wind."

Still searching for the first win of her LPGA Tour career, Buhai shot a 4-under-par 68 at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Club on the southern Chinese island of Hainan.

"I feel I am getting more comfortable with the situation," the 28-year-old, who birdied four of her last seven holes, told LPGA.com of her trophy drought.

Buhai is, however, getting closer and has two top-five finishes this year.

China's Feng Shanshan, the world No. 3 who last week picked up her second win of the season, shot a 67 for the lowest round of the day and is just a shot back.

But the rest of the field struggled in the blustery conditions and the scoring averaged at 4-over-par 76.

In-form Feng, who won in Japan last week, said she was enjoying having the support of the Chinese crowd.

"I'm playing in front of all the fans from home. Of course I feel a little bit of pressure and I'm pretty sure tomorrow will be more people coming to support me," she said.

"But I just wanted to bring out my 'A' game and enjoy the week."

First-round leader Yoo Sun-young of South Korea carded a 74 and was third at 5-under for the championship, , while American Lizette Salas (73) was fourth at 4 under. Defending champion Minjee Lee (73) of Australia was in a tie for 20th at even par, along with No. 1-ranked Park Sung-hyun (76) of South Korea.


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