PORTHCAWL, Wales — Miyu Yamashita delivered a flawless, bogey-free 7-under 65 on Friday to seize a three-shot lead at the Women’s British Open. The Japanese star bookended her round with birdies to reach 11-under 133 heading into the weekend at Royal Porthcawl.
Playing alongside Yamashita, compatriot Rio Takeda shot a 69 to secure second place. The pair staged a compelling duel, matching brilliant shots and crucial putts to create a significant gap between themselves and the rest of the field. Takeda, whose round was highlighted by a tap-in eagle on the par-5 ninth, is the only competitor within seven strokes of the leader.
A distant seven shots behind Takeda are Chiara Tamburlini of Switzerland (69), Pajaree Anannarukarn of Thailand (69), and American Lindy Duncan (70), who are tied for third at 4-under.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda shot an even-par 72 and sits in a group nine strokes off the pace. English amateur Lottie Woad carded a 70 to join Korda at 2-under but saw a promising round derailed by a triple bogey on the 16th hole.
“There was a lot more good in it than bad,” Woad reflected. “I played really well for 17 holes; just that one hole cost me a bit.”
Yamashita, who celebrates her 24th birthday on Saturday, built her lead with a decisive stretch of four birdies in five holes around the turn, capitalizing on calmer morning conditions.
“I didn’t alter my swing, but with the strong wind, shot selection and aiming became critical,” Yamashita said. “I focused on executing the shots exactly as I’ve been practicing.”
The cut fell at 2-over 146, eliminating several prominent players. Brooke Henderson missed it by a single stroke, while world No. 4 Ruoning Yin, Rose Zhang, and U.S. Women’s Open champion Maja Stark also failed to advance.
In a notable comeback, two-time champion Yani Tseng shot 73 to make the cut in a major for the first time in eight years. It marks her first made cut at any LPGA event since 2018.
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