Miyazato Builds Two-Stroke Edge in Safeway Classic


Mika Miyazato of Japan followed up her opening 7-under 65 with a 68 Saturday to take a two-shot lead in the Safeway Classic. The $1.5 million, 54-hole LPGA event started Friday on the Ghost Creek course at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club west of Portland, Ore.

After carding eight birdies and a bogey in the opening round, Miyazato posted four more birdies Saturday to reach 11-under 133, two shots clear of South Korea's So Yeon Ryu (68), who won last week's Jamie Farr Toledo Classic by seven strokes.

The 22-year-old Miyazato is hoping for another low score on Sunday to secure her first LPGA victory. "I have so much good experience the last four or five events," she said. "But I don't know how much closer to win the tournament. I tried to focus on my golf game one shot at a time."

Sharing third at 136 are Cristie Kerr and Inbee Park, who both posted 70s on a day that was cooler than Friday, when temperatures reached the mid-90s. Another shot back are Yani Tseng (67), Paula Creamer (69) and first-round co-leader Sydnee Michaels, who shot an even-par 72 after opening with a 65.

No. 1-ranked Tseng has struggled of late but seems to be regaining her usual brilliant form. "It's been a long time," said the 23-year-old from Taiwan, who despite her recent travails has still managed to log three LPGA wins this season.

"I haven't shot like 5 under for a couple months. It feels great. I wasn't worried about anything. I wasn't worried if I was going to shoot under par or not. I just felt like I'm going to enjoy every shot out there. I'm going to have so much fun, doesn't matter how I played.

"And I couldn't ask for a better group that I had," Tseng added. "It's just so much fun. They kept me relaxed all the time, and it's just great. My game seems like it's coming back, and I'm hitting so many good shots just like before. This is a game I love, and I really appreciate everything."

It's unlikely defending champion Suzann Pettersen will retain her title after posting two straight 1-under 71s to tie for 36th entering Sunday's final round.

For complete scoring, visit http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx.