Charley Hull cut Aki Iwai’s Evian Championship lead to two shots on Friday, carding a second-round 70 to sit six under par alongside Jeeno Thitikul, whose brilliant 64 lit up the morning wave at Evian-les-Bains.
According to Sky Sports, Hull mixed three birdies with two bogeys at Evian Resort Golf Club as she resumed her pursuit of a maiden major title, a bid sharpened by her run of major near-misses. The Englishwoman, who opened with a 66 on Thursday, finished her second round joint-second with the afternoon wave still on the course.
Jeeno Thitikul’s 64 Reshapes The Evian Championship Chase
Thitikul produced the round of the morning, a seven-under 64 featuring an eagle and five birdies that carried the Thai star from over par into a share of second on six under, per Sky Sports. Japan’s Hinako Shibuno signed for a 68 to post five under, according to the LPGA’s official leaderboard.
Overnight leader Iwai, whose eight-under total was built on a stunning opening 63, began her second round in Friday’s afternoon session. England’s Lottie Woad, four back after a closing eagle in her 67, and world No 1 Nelly Korda, chasing a career grand slam after a stuttering 74, were also among the later starters.
With the cut to come once the afternoon wave completes, Hull and Thitikul have set the clubhouse target — and given the weekend at the year’s fourth women’s major a compelling shape before Iwai has even settled into her round.
