Nordqvist leads the LPGA Championship

HAVRE DE GRACE, Md., June 12 (UPI) -- Rookie Anna Nordqvist shot 2-under-par 70 Friday to build a one-stroke lead through 36 holes at the McDonald's LPGA Championship in Havre de Grace, Md.

Despite a bogey-5 at the par-4 18th, Nordqvist has a two-round total of 8-under 136, one stroke better than first-round front-runner Nicole Castrale (72).

"I was just trying to go out there and have fun and enjoy the day," Nordqvist said.

Her best finish is a tie for 17th at the Corona Championship at Michoacan, Mexico, in April.

England's Lindsey Wright (68) and Australia's Katherine Hull (69) both are 6-under 138 and share third place.

The defending champion at the LPGA Tour's second major tournament this season, Taiwan's Yani Tseng, shot 1-under 71 Friday, and at even-par 144, joined 10 other golfers -- including Paula Creamer (70), Michelle Wie (74) and Juli Inkster (71) -- in a tie for 32nd place.

Among those missing the 3-over 147 cut were Morgan Pressel (148), Meg Mallon (149) and Pat Hurst (149).