LPGA South Korea: Angel Yin takes early lead

Rookie Angel Yin overpowered the par-5 holes and the American fired a 7-under 65 on Friday to take a two-stroke lead after the second round of the LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship in Incheon, South Korea.

The 19-year-old Yin had an eagle and six birdies along with one bogey to finish the two days at 11-under 133 and ahead of three players tied for second at the LPGA Tour event.

The highlight of Yin's round was at the par-5 fifth hole where she struck a 6-iron to 12 feet and sank the eagle putt.

"That got everything started," Yin said. "I made a few pars in the beginning, but that eagle just fired everything up.

"The par-5s, I'm able to hit irons into them, which is very helpful. I can get closer. Like with my eagle, I hit a 6-iron in and ended up with a 12-foot putt. The last hole, the par-five 18th, I had a 4-iron in."

Overnight leader Sung Hyun Park (69), who won the U.S. Women's Open for her first major, was tied with fellow South Koreans In Gee Chun (65) and Jin Young Ko (67) at 9 under.

Chun, a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour, is still looking for her first victory of the season after recording five runner-up spots among her eight top-10s in 2017.

"I'm quite proud of myself for maintaining the scores that I have been showing lately," said Chun, who along with Park attracted the biggest galleries of the day on the Ocean Course. "And this event as well I'm kind of playing without any really negative thoughts. In that sense, I look forward to the weekend. Also I put a lot of meaning in this event, especially that I can have more fun with my fans."

American Cristie Kerr, coming off a victory last week in France, shot a 69 and was in a group of five tied for fifth at 8 under, including fellow Americans Lizette Salas (69) and Marina Alex (69).

Canadian Brooke Henderson (67) was in a share of 13th at 6 under along with American Lexi Thompson (69).