Eighth-year pro Aki Takamura produced a sparkling 5-under 67 Friday to jump into a two-stroke lead after the second round of the 60 million yen LPGA Tour Championship, the final event of the Japanese women's golf tour season.
Takamura, bidding for her second victory of the season, carded five birdies, including a 24-foot birdie putt on the 12th hole in a bogey-free round at the Hibiscus Golf Club to claim sole possession of the lead at 6-under 138.
Meanwhile, overnight leader Junko Yasui, teeing off with a one-stroke advantage, slipped two strokes back after a hat trick of bogeys canceled out three birdies for an even-par 72 and a 140 halfway total.
Kyoko Ono, who won the Yonex Ladies tournament in the summer, enjoyed a solid round which featured three birdies for a 70 and lies a further stroke off the pace.
Midway Casio tie
KAIMON, Kagoshima Pref. (Kyodo) Toru Suzuki produced a flawless 5-under-par 67 Friday, while Hajime Meshiai carded a 68 as both golfers reached the clubhouse tied for the halfway lead on 9-under 135 at the Casio World Open.
Suzuki and Meshiai finished the second round one stroke ahead of a trio of golfers, including Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki, who recorded his second straight round of 68.