Haeryn Ryu Leads AIG Women's Open with Strong Performance

Haeryn Ryu from South Korea has positioned herself for a potential third consecutive major victory by shooting a 2-under-par 69 on Friday at the AIG Women's Open in Lytham St. Annes, England. This performance has given her a one-stroke lead at the halfway point of the tournament.

Ryu currently stands at 7 under 135 after two rounds, leading Japan's Shiho Kuwaki by one stroke and ahead of Yealimi Noh and Jeeno Thitikul from Thailand by two strokes. Despite a challenging start that included a bogey and a double bogey, Ryu recovered impressively with five birdies over the final 12 holes, including a crucial birdie at the 18th to secure her lead.

Ryu, who has already won the KPMG Women's PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship this year, is on track to become the fifth player in LPGA history to win three majors in a row. Kuwaki remains close behind, while Noh and Thitikul are also in contention, with Thitikul struggling after leading in the first round. Other notable players, including world No. 1 Nelly Korda, are also competing, with several missing the cut.