DUBAI // Stacy Lewis lived up to her billing as pre-tournament favourite as she stormed to the top at the halfway stage of the Dubai Ladies Masters with a superb round of seven-under-par 65 yesterday.
The American world No 3, the highest ranked player in the tournament, gave the fans exactly what they expected from her.
Eight birdies and a single bogey gave her a one-shot lead on top over Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg at nine-under 135 overall in the season-ending championship of the Ladies European Tour (LET).
Lindberg, who is yet to win a tournament on the Tour since turning pro in 2009, added a three-under 69 to her opening round of 67.
Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, winner of the Order of Merit last year, started the day as the joint leader along with Lindberg, but slipped to third place at 137 with a two-under 70. Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum (70) was alone in fourth place a shot behind.
Lewis, who was utterly frustrated by her putter in Wednesday’s opening round, said: “Obviously, the putts went in today. I made a little adjustment on the practice green and it seemed to work. I made a couple of long ones that I probably shouldn’t have made and it turned out to be a good day.
“On the longer putts the grip handle was stopping instead of keeping going so I changed that. I think I had 10 or 12 fewer putts and that made the difference. I think I had 24 putts today instead of 33.
“It’s not done yet. I’m going to have to keep going and take care of business but I prefer being where I am now to where I was last night.”
Lindberg, who said she is making a conscious effort to keep her expectation levels down, said: “I started with a three-putt, so it was nice to make a couple of birdies in coming in.
“I am trying to just feel the same low expectations, not putting more pressure on myself. It’s something that I’ve been working on with my mental coach this year to actually be able to step out on the course and handle expectations and pressure.”
Defending champion Shanshan Feng, who suffered a disappointing opening round of a 76, staged a good comeback, shooting a five-under 67 to move into a tie for the 12th.
“I am really pleased with my round. I only made one birdie on the front nine, but saved a couple of really good pars. On the back nine I was more relaxed, knocking the ball really close to the pins,” she said.
“I think we are very lucky, because the leaders are not very far away, so we still have chances. I knew Stacy was going to make a lot birdies here and she is doing it. If I want to catch her, I need to shoot even lower scores. My goal is top five, so I’m still relaxed,” she said.
In the race for the Rookie of the Year honour, Charley Hull stayed ahead of nearest rival Holly Clyburn. The English pair both finished with level-par 72 rounds, but Hull enjoyed a distinct advantage. She was tied ninth at 142, while Clyburn was tied 34th at 147.
Early morning fog had once again delayed the start of the round, which meant second-round play could not be completed because of darkness. Two groups of six players will have to return this morning to complete their round.
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