SAMMAMISH, Washington (Kyodo) — Japanese golfer Hinako Shibuno shot her second consecutive 2-under 70 on Friday to sit two strokes off the pace in a three-way tie for third at the midway point of the Women’s PGA Championship.
Shibuno, who finished alone in second behind Yuka Saso at the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this month, had four birdies and two bogeys at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, just east of Seattle.
Sarah Schmelzel of the United States and South Korea’s Amy Yang shared the lead at 6 under after rounds of 67 and 68, respectively.
Shibuno began her round with three straight birdies from the 10th hole but was unable to keep things going.
“Today’s score is a bit disappointing, especially after I started like a rocket,” the 25-year-old said. “But I had some lucky moments, too. Things were quite dramatic throughout the 18 holes.”
Shibuno, tied with South Korean Ko Jin Young and American Lexi Thompson, is looking for her second major title following her 2019 Women’s British Open triumph.
Among Japanese players contending for a spot at the Paris Olympics, Miyu Yamashita carded a 70 to move into a share of sixth at 3 under.
Ayaka Furue shot a 74 and dropped into a tie for 23rd at 1 over, while Nasa Hataoka missed the cut by two strokes after her second-round 74 was not enough to make up for her opening 77.