Golf-Japan's Yamashita surges into lead at Women's Open

May 30, 2025; Erin, Wisconsin, USA; Miyu Yamashita tees off at the 1st hole during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

PORTHCAWL, Wales (Reuters) -Japan's Miyu Yamashita surged into the lead at the AIG Women's Open with a superb second round seven-under 65 at Royal Porthcawl on Friday, with compatriot and joint overnight leader Rio Takeda three shots adrift.

England's Lottie Woad, the bookmakers' favourite despite the tournament being her first major as a professional, mounted a charge but a triple-bogey at the 16th meant she settled for a two-under 70 to be nine shots adrift at the halfway point.