LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nelly Korda seized a share of the lead at the U.S. Women’s Open on Saturday with her second straight 4-under 67, ending with three consecutive birdies and finishing even with Sei Young Kim at 6-under 207.Korda, the world No. 1 and a three-time major winner after dominating The Chevron Championship in April, has played her way into prime position to contend for her second straight major title and first U.S. Open championship Sunday at Riviera.Korda was seven shots off the lead after her opening-round 73, but she got into contention with Friday’s lowest score before surging steadily up the leaderboard on moving day.“Tt’s always amazing to be in this position,” Korda said. “That’s what we work so hard for, to be in this spot. So whatever happens tomorrow happens, but I’m going to give it my all and see what the outcome is.”
Several players traded the lead on a sunny afternoon in front of the week’s biggest crowd at this 100-year-old country club in Pacific Palisades. Seven players were within two shots of the top of a leaderboard crowded with major winners.First-round leader Jennifer Kupcho and 2015 U.S. Women’s Open champion In Gee Chun were a shot back at 5 under after 69s, while second-round co-leader Ruoning Yin, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka were 4 under.
