Rolex Rankings No. 25 Lexi Thompson moved one step closer to defending her title at the Navistar LPGA Classic, carding a three-under 69 to maintain her lead in the second round.
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With four birdies and one bogey on Friday, Thompson moved to 12-under-par for the tournament taking a one stroke lead over South Korean Mi Jung Hur and American Mindy Kim.
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“I played pretty consistent today,” Thompson said. “I hit a few squirrely iron shots that I wasn&apost happy with, but overall I played consistent. My putting has gotten a lot better.”
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Thompson says a minor change in her putting stance has given her more confidence with her putter this week.
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“It&aposs all about confidence really and just getting up to it and saying to yourself you&aposre going to make the putt,” she said. “That&aposs all I&aposm doing really, just getting a line and commit to it.”
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Americans Dori Carter (67), Lizette Salas (69) and South Korean Hee-Young Park (69) share fourth position at 10-under-par. Another four players are at 9-under-par and right in the mix.
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Of the three Australians in the field this week, Sarah Jane Smith is leading the way. Smith fired her second consecutive round of 69 to sit at 6-under-par and tied for 21st position. Katherine Hull is at two-under-par after a even par second round.
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The cut fell at one-under-par and 70 players will contest the final two rounds. Unfortunately Sarah Kemp missed the cut again finishing at seven-over-par.
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