Japan's Iwai shoots 5-under 67 to maintain lead at LPGA Thailand
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PATTAYA, Thailand (AP) — Sponsor invite Akie Iwai of Japan shot a 5-under 67 Friday to take a two-stroke lead after two rounds of the LPGA's Thailand tournament at Siam Country Club's Pattaya Old Course.
After an opening-round 62, Iwai had a two-round total of 13-under 129.
The 22-year-old Iwai earned her LPGA tour membership after finishing in a tie for fifth at the LPGA Final Qualifier last year.
American Angel Yin shot 64 Friday and was in second place. Jeeno Thitikul, the world No. 2 who turned 22 on Thursday, was tied for third place, also after a 64.
“Today, I shot well and putted well. My distance control was good. That’s why I made a lot of birdies,” said Iwai.
Brooke Henderson, the lone Canadian in the field, shot a 3-over 75 to sit at 1-over for the event. She is tied for 51st in the 72-player field.
The event is the first stop of the LPGA's so-called Asian swing before the tour moves to Singapore and China over the next two weeks.