MANILA, Philippines — Pinay ace Dottie Ardina leapfrogged to joint 11th at the halfway point of the US Women’s Open after firing a one-under 71 in Friday’s second round at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.
After a 74 that initially placed her in the fringes of the cutline at joint 39th, Ardina cranked it up and shot nines of 34-37 to pump life into her bid in the $11-million golf major.
Ardina, who carded four birdies, including three on holes four to seven, against three bogeys, is at one-over 145 for the tourney, eight shots off the pace.
American Balley Tardy wrested the top spot at 137 after sizzling with an eagle-aided 68. She grabbed a two-stroke margin against Allisen Corpuz, an American with Filipino roots who submitted a 70, and Korean first-round leader Hyo Joo Kim, who slipped to No. 2 after a 71.
While the 29-year-old Ardina made her climb, Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso foundered after struggling with a 75.