Stanford Jumps to Front of LPGA LOTTE Championship


While the 18-hole leaders struggled Friday, American Angela Stanford excelled. The 36-year-old Fort Worth native fired a flawless eight-birdie 64 to soar into the halfway lead at the LPGA LOTTE Championship. The $1.7 million tournament started Wednesday at Ko Olina Golf Club in Kapolei on the island of Oahu.

Stanford, who won the tournament in 2009 as one of her five career victories - beating Michelle Wie in the final round, opened with an even-par 72. But she's now at 8-under 136, a stroke ahead of native Hawaiian and crowd favorite Wie, who followed up her opening 70 with a 67.

After her 72, Stanford knew she'd have to get something going Thursday to get into contention. "Well, honestly I was just trying to make it through today and that might have helped my mentality," said Stanford, who recorded five straight birdies on the front nine and had another streak of three on the back side.

Wie, who has several public appearances scheduled this week in addition to trying to win a golf tournament, is trying to relax while back in her home state.

"This week, I think I'm trying not to put so much pressure on myself," said the 24-year-old Honolulu native, who finished second two weeks ago to winner Lexi Thompson in the LPGA's first major, the Kraft Nabisco Championship. "I'm trying to go out there and have fun."

Two behind Stanford are American Cristie Kerr (66) and South Koreans Inbee Park (68), So Yeon Ryu (70) and Hyo Joo Kim (70). Kim began the second round tied for the lead with Se Ri Pak and Ryu. Pak had a 71 to drop to 5-under 139 and a share of seventh with Ha Ha Jang (69).

Sixteen-year-old amateur So Young Lee shot a 70 and is tied for ninth at 4-under with American Katie Burnett (69).

The 36-hole cut was set at 4-over 148.

For all the scores, visit www.lpga.com.