ST. ANDREWS, Scotland, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Lorena Ochoa, No. 1 in the world but without a major title to her credit, clung to a one-shot lead Friday at the midway point of the Women's British Open.
Ochoa shot an even-par 73 at the Old Course for a 36-hole total of 140. Wendy Ward and Catriona Matthew were at 141.
Annika Sorenstam, who lost her No. 1 ranking to Ochoa after experiencing back and shoulder problems earlier this year, moved into a share of fourth place at 143. Tied with Sorenstam were defending champion Sherri Steinhauer, Yuri Fudoh, Rebecca Hudson and Karine Icher.
Juli Inkster, seemingly on her way to missing the cut after shooting a 79 on Thursday, fired a 68 for the day's best round. She climbed all the way into a tie for 19th. Michelle Wie missed the cut by recording an 80.
Ochoa has won nine times in the last 16 months, but has faded down the stretch whenever she has had a chance to win a major. She led after the second round of this year's Kraft Nabisco, but shot 77-72 on the weekend to finish in a tie for 10th.
