Japan’s Miyu Yamashita surged into a commanding position at the 2025 AIG Women’s Open firing a bogey-free 65 on Friday to move to 11-under-par after two rounds. Her round—the best of the day—puts her three shots ahead of fellow Japanese player Rio Takeda, setting the pace at Royal Porthcawl as the weekend rounds approach. Yamashita, 23, played flawless golf in calm early conditions, backing up her opening 68 with a round that included six birdies. Takeda, who shared the lead after Thursday, remained steady with a 69 to stay within striking distance at 8-under. Sitting nine shots back on -2 is a group that includes World No. 1 Nelly Korda, England’s Lottie Woad, and local favorite Darcey Harry. Woad, the 20-year-old English rising star, made an early charge with six birdies before a costly triple bogey on 16 dropped her back to 2-under. Behind the Japanese duo, Chiara Tamburlini(Switzerland) and Lindy Duncan (USA) share third at −4. Tamburlini shot a composed 69, while Duncan posted a 70. A four-way tie at −3 includes Madelene Sagstrom (Sweden), Sei Young Kim and A Lim Kim (both South Korea), and Laura Fuenfstueck (Germany). Charley Hull, England’s top-ranked player, dug deep on Friday to post a vital 71 after an opening 73. She’s even-par and safely through to the weekend.

Posted by Jane Carter at 2025-08-01 19:33:00 UTC