SHANGHAI, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's Choi Hye-jin maintained a two-shot lead at the Buick LPGA Shanghai on Friday despite carding a two-over-par 74 in the second round, while China's Yin Ruoning slipped to a tie for seventh, four shots off the pace.
After opening with an eight-under-par 64 on Thursday, Choi struggled in tougher conditions at Sheshan International Golf Club, carding a 74 to reach six-under 138 at the halfway stage.
Strong winds, long holes and challenging pin positions made scoring difficult across the field. Of the 77 players who completed their rounds, only six shot under par in the second round.
"Today felt completely different from yesterday. It was very difficult, and I wasn't at my best. I made a lot of mistakes on the front nine," Choi said.
"I made mistakes yesterday, too, but I didn't make bogeys. Over the weekend, I'll take it one shot at a time and look for birdie opportunities."
South Korea's Amy Yang carded a one-under 71, while Australia's Grace Kim shot an even-par 72. Both moved to four-under 140, two strokes behind Choi and tied for second.
Yin, who started tied for third, made two birdies and four bogeys to finish at two-under 142, dropping into a tie for seventh but remaining four shots off the lead.
Defending champion Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand also carded a 73 to sit tied for seventh alongside Yin. ■
