Wie makes charge on Kim's lead

2008-07-19 14:58

Springfield - America's Christina Kim fired a four-under 68 to hang onto a one-shot lead in the LPGA State Farm Classic, with teenager Michelle Wie in hot pursuit.

Kim, seeking her third career title, In her pursuit of a third career LPGA Tour title, had five birdies and just one bogey after her bogey-free round that featured seven birdies and an eagle on Thursday, for a halfway total of 131.

Wie, 18, fired a seven-under 65 as she joined a quartet of players sharing second place on 132.

Sherri Turner, South Korea's Ji Young Oh and Taiwan's Yani Tseng were also one adrift, all having posted their second straight six-under 66s.

Wie, who had seven top-10 finishes in major championships before she was 17 years old, is attempting a return to form. Her round included five birdies and an eagle.

Playing in her sixth LPGA tournament of the season, Wie made her push on the tournament's second day by cutting into a four-stroke deficit with some stellar iron play.

The Hawaiian, who has struggled since breaking her wrist 18 months ago, holed a sand wedge from 85 yards for eagle at the par-four 10th.

Defending champion Sherri Steinhauer, who went wire-to-wire last year to edge Kim by one stroke, struggled early on Thursday and missed the cut.

With the Evian Masters, the Women's British Open and the Canadian Women's Open looming on the schedule, a number of top players elected to skip the event.

World No.1 Lorena Ochoa of Mexico and Sweden's Annika Sorenstam is among the notable absentees.

- SAPA