Chun leads by two in Canada, seeking to end run of near-misses

[August 26, 2017]    (The Sports Xchange) - Chun In-gee of South Korea carded her second consecutive four-under 67 on Friday to move to the lead after 36 holes at the Canadian Pacific Women's Open in Ottawa.

Gee Chun plays her approach shot on the sixth hole during the second round of the Canadian Pacific Women's Open golf tournament at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club. Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Chun, one shot off the lead after Thursday's opening round, had five birdies against one bogey to advance to eight-under 134 for a two-shot lead over a trio of Americans -- Mo Martin, Brittany Lincicome and first-round leader Marina Alex.

Seeking her first LPGA victory of 2017, Chun expressed confidence that she is ready to end the drought after notching four runner-up finishes this season.

"I (had) a lot of seconds this year, but I think they were good memories for me and a good experience," said world number seven Chun. "I think I'm ready to win."

Chun's two LPGA victories have both been majors -- the 2015 U.S. Women's Open and 2016 Evian Championship.

Canadian teen Brooke Henderson, in danger of missing the cut after a first-round 74, rallied with three birdies in a four-hole stretch for a 69. She just made the cut line at one-over 143.

"I feel like I've handled it pretty well so far," said Henderson of the expectations to do well in her home country.

"I can still try to get my best finish ever at the Canadian Open, which was last year, and that's probably my main goal going into tomorrow."

(Editing by Andrew Both)

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