Australia’s Steph Kyriacou is one shot off the lead on the midway mark of the LPGA Tour’s Mizuho Americas Open in New Jersey.
Lower than every week after making a shocking albatross on the par 5 18th to complete the Black Desert Championship within the high ten, the 24-year-old is within the hunt for a maiden LPGA crown at -7 by 36 holes.
Kyriacou is a part of a six-strong group nipping on the heels of co-leaders Somi Lee, Andrea Lee and defending champion Nelly Korda.
FOX SPORTS, obtainable on Kayo Sports activities, brings you each spherical of the LPGA Tour LIVE & Unique | New to Kayo? Get your first month for simply $1. Restricted time supply.
World No.43 Kyriacou shot a three-under par spherical of 69 on Friday that included an eagle on the par 5 sixth, her fifteenth gap of the day, that took her to -9 for the event earlier than dropping again with bogeys at seven and 9.
The Sydneysider made 4 birdies in addition to her eagle within the second spherical to indicate off her firepower, and for the second straight day, her work on the greens was eye-catching.
Kyriacou wanted solely 26 putts to get round Liberty Nationwide Golf Membership after solely needing 25 putts the day prior, effectively beneath the tough LPGA common of 30.
Liberty Nationwide’s well-known views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline have been virtually non-existent for a lot of the second spherical as heavy rain engulfed the course.
Though, Kyriacou, who completed runner-up in a significant finally yr’s Evian Championship, appeared unbothered by the testing circumstances.
“You understand what, it was a little bit bit simpler than I assumed however not straightforward,” she stated.
“I assumed we have been going to play by rain all day. I imply, I solely had it for most likely half the spherical in complete, so wasn’t as unhealthy, however, yeah, it’s not ultimate.
“I assume again at dwelling. Like our winters aren’t that good, so the place I play as effectively is correct on the coast so positively wet and windy.
“I believe that’s additionally why I like enjoying in Europe, Scotland and stuff, as a result of it type of jogs my memory of dwelling.”
Kyriacou sinks albatross on ultimate gap! | 00:50
One shot again from Kyriacou is fellow Australian Hira Naveed.
The 27-year-old from Perth can also be chasing a primary LPGA victory and has snapped a run of back-to-back missed cuts with consecutive rounds of 69, which have included simply three bogeys throughout the 2 rounds.
Fellow West Australian Minjee Lee is a shot again from Naveed at -5 after a second spherical 71 that included 4 birdies.
For the second straight day the two-time main champion walked to the locker room with a foul style in her mouth, nevertheless.
Within the first spherical, she double bogeyed the par 4 ninth, her final gap, and within the second spherical, she bogeyed the par 4 18th to lose floor on her rivals.
Australians Hannah Inexperienced, Grace Kim and Gabriela Ruffels are additionally within the combine at -3.
World No.7 Inexperienced and Kim each shot even par rounds of 72 to carry their in a single day place, whereas Ruffels slipped again a shot with a spherical of 73.
Karis Davidson has additionally progressed to the weekend at -1 after a spherical of 71 was sufficient to make the reduce on the quantity and make her the seventh Australian to ensure a payday from the US$3 mullion occasion.
Veteran Sarah Kemp (+7) and rookie Cassie Porter (+8) each missed the reduce, nevertheless.