NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C., May 10 (UPI) -- Rosie Jones increased her lead to two strokes Saturday at the Asahi Ryokuken International Championship, where four Americans find themselves near the top of the leaderboard.
Jones parred her first 10 holes en route to a bogey-free 3-under-par 69 that left her two shots clear of Laura Diaz at 13-under 203. Wendy Ward is three strokes back, with Pat Hurst four off the pace.
Each of the top four players is from the United States. No American has won through seven LPGA Tour events this season.
There's a strong contingent of international players in the top 10, although none are within four strokes of Jones. Rookie Lorena Ochoa of Mexico is fifth at 208.
Jones, who has downplayed the American title drought, is a day away from her 13th career win and first in two years. The 43-year-old tied for third here last year, finishing eight strokes behind Janice Moodie of Scotland.
