Published : Dec. 7, 2012 - 19:02
Feng Shanshan from China eyes her ball on the 18th hole during the second round of Dubai Ladies Masters golf tournament in Dubai on Thursday. (AP-Yonhap News)
DUBAI (AP) ― Shanshan Feng birdied five of her first nine holes Thursday to shoot a 7-under 65 and take a four-stroke lead after the second round of the Dubai Ladies Masters.
Feng, the highest-ranked player in the field, had three more birdies on the back nine at the Emirates Golf Club for a total of 13-under 131.
“My putting was really good today,” Feng said. “I felt a little pressure in the beginning, but after those two birdies on the second and third the pressure was off.
“I’m still on the same page as the start. My goal is just top five.”
Florentyna Parker, who shared the lead heading into the second round, shot a 2-over 74 to drop down the leaderboard.
Instead, Felicity Johnson (67) moved into second place, one stroke ahead of Caroline Masson (68), Cindy Lacrosse (69), Joanna Klatten (65) and Gwladys Nocera (68).
Defending champion Lexi Thompson (68) is a stroke further back. The 17-year-old American survived blustery early morning conditions in Dubai and made four birdies through a bogey-free 18 holes.
“It was definitely a bit more windy, probably the most wind I’ve played in Dubai,” Thompson said. “But I hit it a lot better, although still didn’t make as many putts as I wanted to.
“We’ll see after tomorrow where I stand. You just have to focus on your own game. Hopefully I’ve saved all my birdies for the weekend.”
Michelle Wie (73) is 12 shots off the pace and tied for 35th. She concluded her round with a double-bogey 6 on the ninth.
Carlota Ciganda, who leads the Order of Merit, shot 68.
Leaderboard
131 Shanshan Feng 66-65
135 Felicity Johnson 68-67
136 Joanna Klatton 71-65
Gwladys Nocera 68-68
Caroline Masson 68-68
Cindy Lacrosse 67-69
137 Lexi Thompson 69-68
138 Carlota Ciganda 70-68
Lorie Kane 68-70
139 Jennie Lee 70-69
Bree Arthur 69-70
Lydia Hall 68-71,
140 Beth Allen 70-70,
Caroline Hedwall 69-71,
Florentyna Parker 66-74,
Julieta Granada 70-70,
Linda Wessberg 70-70,
Klara Spilkova 67-73,
Dewi Claire Schreefel 69-71