Chinese storms into Chevron lead

HOUSTON (AFP) — China’s Liu Yan made a stunning albatross and a closing birdie to seize a one-stroke lead when darkness halted Friday’s second round of the LPGA Chevron Championship.

The 27-year-old sank a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-five 18th hole to finish off a level par 72 and grab the lead on seven-under 137 for 36 holes at Carlton Woods in the year’s first major women’s tournament.

“I’m glad I made that last birdie,” she said.

“Today I had so many putts so close. Last hole was my first birdie today so I’m very happy.”

Liu’s most spectacular shot, however, came at the par-five eighth when she holed out her second shot from 170 yards with a seven-iron.

“There was a helping wind and I hit a really solid driver on the fairway,” Liu said. “I took my seven-iron and yeah, it was pretty crazy.”

It was the first albatross in a women’s major since American Morgan Pressel made one at the 2015 Women’s British Open.

Liu hopes to make her first LPGA triumph a major victory but a host of rivals were hot on her heels.

American Lindy Duncan birdied her last three holes to shoot 66 and share second on 138 with compatriot Sarah Schmelzel, Japan’s Mao Saigo and South Korean Kim Hyo-joo.

South Koreans Choi Hye-jin and Ryu Hae-ran, American Angel Yin and Belgium’s Manon De Roey were on 139.

A 90-minute morning fog delay led to the round being halted by darkness with nine players yet to finish. They will complete the second round on Saturday morning before the cut is made and the third round played.

Among those still on the course, China’s Zhang Weiwei was on five-under with three holes remaining.

Liu, who began playing golf with her mother 15 years ago, has a best LPGA career finish of third at the 2023 ShopRite Classic.