No Change at Top of Evian Masters


Stacy Lewis followed up her course record-tying 9-under 63 with a 69 Friday to maintain the lead in the Evian Masters. The former Arkansas All-American stands at 12-under 132 in the $3.25 million, 72-hole LPGA Tour event at Evian-les-Bains in France.

Lewis began the day two strokes ahead of Hee Young Park, while another South Korean, Ilhee Lee, was three back. But after 36 holes Lee is in second after carding a 67, while Inbee Park - no relation to Hee Young (64) and Paula Creamer (67) are three back at 135. Hee Young Park had a 72 to fall five shots behind.

Lewis admitted her play Friday wasn't quite as spot-on as in the first round. ''Today was actually a little bit of a struggle for me. I wasn't really sure how I would play coming off a good score yesterday,'' said Lewis, a two-time winner this year.

''It's hard when you make pars and you feel like you're going backwards because of all the birdies I made yesterday.''

Creamer is pleased with her play so far. ''I only missed two greens today, which is a lot better than yesterday,'' she said. ''One of my strengths in my game is irons and just giving myself opportunities, and today I kind of took advantage of that and made some good putts.''

Alone in fifth at 136 is Japan's Mika Miyazato (69), while another stroke back with Hee Young Park are Beatriz Recari (66) and Korean amateur Hyo Joo Kim (68). 2011 U.S. Women's Open champion So Yeon Ryu (65) Natalie Gulbis (69), Meena Lee (69), Azahara Munoz (68) and Jiyai Shin (69) are tied for ninth at 138.

Defending champion Ai Miyazato (no relation to Mika) shot 70 and is nine shots behind Lewis.

The cut was set at 2-over 146. Among those heading home is No. 1-ranked Yani Tseng, who shot a 1-under 71 but couldn't overcome her opening 76. The Taiwanese player also missed the cut in last month's NW Arkansas Championship, her first MC in more than a year.

American teenage sensation Lexi Thompson won't be around for the weekend after rounds of 74 and 75, while Cheyenne Woods - Tiger's niece - will after shooting 71 and 69.

Michelle Wie just squeaked into the final two rounds, following up her 73 Thursday with a 72. The Hawaii native is tied at 145 with reigning U.S. Women's Open champion Na Yeon Choi, who's put up the same scores as Wie.

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