South Korea's Haeran Ryu overcame a difficult start to seize a one-shot lead after the second round of the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, keeping alive her bid for a third consecutive major title.
The 25-year-old, who is aiming to become only the fifth woman in history to win three major championships in a single calendar year, birdied the 18th to finish with a two-under-par 69 and move to the top of the leaderboard.
Fresh from capturing the Evian Championship earlier this month—her second major victory in the space of two weeks—Ryu continued her outstanding run in golf's biggest events.
After slipping to three over par through her opening five holes, the South Korean responded in impressive fashion, producing five birdies over the remainder of her round to add to her opening-round 66.
"The last hole is so important because it's always good to finish with a positive feeling for the next day," Ryu told BBC Sport.
"I've made birdies there both days, which is a good thing.
"After the tough start, I just stayed patient and kept believing I could make birdies. I'm really happy with how I finished."
Japan's Shiho Kuwaki sits one shot behind after carding a one-under-par 70, capitalising on a tougher day for first-round leader Jeeno Thitikul.
The Thai world number two, who dazzled with a bogey-free seven-under-par 64 on Thursday, could only manage a two-over-par 73 and slipped into a share of third place on five under.
American Yealimi Noh also reached five under after posting a second-round 70 to remain firmly in contention heading into the weekend.
England's Lottie Woad remains well placed in her pursuit of a maiden major title despite a frustrating finish to her round.
The 22-year-old followed her opening 69 with a one-under-par 71, highlighted by three birdies on the front nine. However, bogeys on the back nine—including one at the 17th—left her on two under, five shots adrift of the lead.
Fellow Englishwoman Charley Hull also sits on two under after an even-par round, while world number one Nelly Korda bounced back from her opening-round 73 with an impressive four-under-par 68 to move into contention.
Three-time major champion Lydia Ko is also well positioned at one under par, alongside England's Mimi Rhodes, who recovered from two early bogeys with three birdies to stay within striking distance.
