MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso faltered after a hot start and submitted a two-under 70 as she slipped to joint seventh halfway through the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions Friday at the Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Florida.
Saso knocked down four birdies at the front side and even led the tournament at one point but failed to sustain the charge, dropping shots on Nos. 11 and 12 and settling for a 32-38 card and six-under 138 through 36 holes.
The reigning US Women’s Open titlist, who was at joint second and just one stroke off the pace after an opening 68, trailed new leader Nelly Korda of the US by four going into moving day.
World No. 1 Korda shot seven birdies against a lone bogey in a sizzling 66 to seize the solo lead at 10-under 134. First-round leader Gaby Lopez of Mexico (135 after a 67) slid to a share of second.