Kuwaki, Noh Share AIG Women's Open Lead; Contenders Adjust Ahead of Moving Day

The AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes has seen a shift at the top of the leaderboard heading into the crucial third round. Japan's Shiho Kuwaki, after a 1-under 70 in the second round, now shares the lead at 6-under overall. Kuwaki, currently priced at +390 (FanDuel), is joined by Yealimi Noh, who also sits at 6-under overall and holds odds of +700 (FanDuel).

Jeeno Thitikul, who began day two with a two-stroke advantage, experienced a more challenging second round, carding a 73 with three bogeys. Despite this, Thitikul remains a strong contender at 5-under par overall, just one shot off the lead. Her current price is +390 (FanDuel).

Haeran Ryu, who was tied with Kuwaki after the first round, is also in the mix, though her specific second-round performance was not detailed. Ryu's odds are currently set at +310 (FanDuel), reflecting her position among the favorites. Other notable players include Nelly Korda and England's Charley Hull, both of whom featured in highlights from the second round. Korda is priced at +10000 (FanDuel), while Hull is available at +4000 (FanDuel).

Amateur Performance and Defending Champion

Amateur Paula Martin Sampedro has made a significant impression, finding herself in a share of seventh place, five shots behind the co-leaders. Sampedro, who carded an even-par 71 in the second round, has odds of +10000 (FanDuel). Her coach, Alejandro Larrazabal, noted the special connection Spaniards have with Royal Lytham & St. Annes, a course where Seve Ballesteros's portrait hangs prominently. Miyu Yamashita, the defending champion, is also in the field, with her current price at +17500 (FanDuel).

The field of 144 players was cut to the top 65 and ties after 36 holes, with the projected cut line settling at four-over par. Competitors now look to the weekend rounds to make their push for the championship title.