Outsider Hana Wakimoto remained two shots clear at the halfway stage of the LPGA Japan Classic on Friday as Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn rose into a tie for second on the leaderboard.

Japan's world No. 236 Wakimoto carded a 4-under-par 68 for 13-under score at Seta Golf Course.

The 27-year-old, who equaled the 18-hole tournament scoring record with a 63 on the opening day, had one bogey and five birdies in her second round.

Wakimoto is making her tournament debut and has never won on the LPGA Tour.

She has had two top-10 finishes this year on the Japanese tour, which she joined in 2018.

Jutanugarn, a two-time major winner, was 11-under after two rounds along with American Yealimi Noh.

Jutanugarn shot a 6-under 66 in a bogey-free round that featured six birdies.

South Korea's Ko Jin-young shot a 70, leaving her tied for fifth place at 9-under.

The former world No. 1 and two-time major winner made three birdies but also had a bogey on the 17th hole.

Reigning U.S, Open champion Yuka Saso improved to 8-under after carding 67.

Saso was tied with Ayaka Furue, who won the Evian Championship in July for her first major, and South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran.

Australia's Minjee Lee tumbled down the leaderboard to a share of 52nd after a 75.