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The 27-year-old Japanese player moved to 13-under 131 after two
rounds in search of her first victory on the tour.
“It was pretty flawless round — couple luckies I think but
really good round overall,” Katsu said. “My career-best was 10
under, so new (personal) record today.”
Katsu said she wasn't thinking about any records as she carded
12 birdies, and just concentrated on the basics. She lowered by
one stroke the course record here for 18 holes set by Sei Young
Kim last year.
“Honestly I’m very happy with the record that I made today,” she
said. “Obviously we still got two more days to play, so probably
no celebration. I’ll try to keep it simple.”
Ina Yoon had 68 on Friday and was in second place at 11 under, a
shot ahead of Americans Jenny Bae and Lindy Duncan (67).
Bae was vying for the lead at 13 under in the last group going
into the 18th but her round unraveled at the finish.
She hit into a bunker, took a drop in the hope of getting a
better lie and then hit her next shot into the water. Bae
finished with a triple-bogey 7 and settled for 69. Her mixed
second round contained eight birdies, a pair of bogeys and the
triple bogey.
Overnight leader Arpichaya Yubol had a 71 and was in a tie for
fifth at 9 under with Somi Lee (67) and Jeeno Thitikul (70).
The Shanghai event is the first of five tournaments in Asia.
There’s two weeks in South Korea, including the International
Crown team event, and other tournaments in Malaysia and Japan.
Last week, Youmin Hwang extended the incredible streak on the
LPGA of having different winners at each of the 25 official
tournaments this year. Hwang was the sixth player from South
Korea to win on the LPGA this year.
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