Ibaraki: Defending champion Feng Shanshan of China fired a nine-under-par 63 yesterday to take a two-stroke lead after the second round of the LPGA Tour's Japan Classic.
Feng carded seven birdies and an eagle at the Taiheiyo Club to move to 15-under 129, two strokes ahead of Japan's Ai Suzuki, who was in sole possession of second place after a 65, that featured four birdies and an eagle on the back nine.
Feng birdied five of her first seven holes to jump out to a quick lead. The 2012 Women's PGA Championship winner eagled the 12th hole then picked up two late birdies to keep ahead of the fast-finishing Suzuki.
"I was shocked, because that wasn't a very usual start for a round," said Feng. "But then after that I kind of kept my good putting going on and finished with a nine-under."
Feng is aiming to become the first golfer on the LPGA Tour to defend a title this season. She is looking for her second victory of the year, having captured the LPGA Volvik Championship in May.
Charley Hull of England had six birdies and an eagle at the second for a 64 that put her in a tie for third at 10-under 134 with South Korean Lee Min-Young.
None of the three Thai players in the field was able to mount a challenge for the second day running.
The 25th-ranked Moriya Jutanugarn produced the best performance of the lot, shooting a five-under 67 to move to tied 23rd on six-under 138, nine strokes off the pace.
Her younger sister Ariya, No.9 in the world, had a disappointing two-over-par round of 74 that left her in a tie for 61st on 143, while Pornanong Phatlum improved with a 69 to move to joint 54th on 142. AP/bangkok post
