World No. 1 Nelly Korda is three shots off the lead at the halfway point at the LPGA Tour’s Mizuho Americas Open, where illness has led several players to withdraw.
Korda, who saw her five-game winning streak end when Rose Zhang won the Cognizant Founders Cup on Sunday, followed an opening round 70 with a four-under 68 to begin the weekend at six under.
The American combined for five birdies with a solitary bogey to become one of four players sharing third place, as Atthaya Thitikul opened up a two-shot advantage over So Mi Lee with a brilliant 65 in the second round.
Thitikul, playing in his third event this year due to a left thumb injury, birdied five of his final seven holes to close out a bogey-free card at Liberty National and boost his hopes of a first since 2022 .
Atthaya Thitikul has been winless on the LPGA Tour since September 2022
“I played with Atthaya today and my round was like poop compared to his,” Korda said, playing in the same group as the leader at the midpoint. “She’s played phenomenal golf the last two days. I’m happy to be there; three back at the halfway mark, but I hope I can do my best.”
Ariya Jutanugarn (68), Gabriela Ruffels (70) and Mao Saigo (70) share third place with Korda on six under, with eight players a shot back, while England’s Charley Hull is five back halfway after two consecutive matches. 70s.
Atthaya Thitikul has been winless on the LPGA Tour since September 2022
Lexi Thompson, Allisen Corpuz, Danielle Kang and Lydia Ko were among the former major winners to miss the cut, while Zhang – last week’s winner and defending champion – withdrew Thursday due to illness and is part of a a certain number of withdrawals mid-tournament.
A statement from the LPGA Tour said: “A total of 10 players have withdrawn from the field at the Mizuho Americas Open since play began on Thursday.
“Three of these withdrawals were due to injuries, and the others to various illnesses. On-site medical professionals treated several athletes for symptoms related to a viral infection.
“The LPGA and tournament organizers continue to monitor the situation closely and are working together to advise and assist LPGA athletes in taking precautions to try to keep everyone healthy.”
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