Jutanugarn one round away from claiming historic LPGA major title
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Moriya Jutanugarn of Thailand shot 3-under 68 to lead the Evian Championship after the second round Saturday and could join her younger sister Ariya in golf ’s record book.
Seeking to be the first sisters to each win a major title, Moriya’s 9-under total left her one shot ahead of Ayako Uehara of Japan, who had seven birdies in her round of 66.
The leading group heading into Sunday is completed by Katherine Kirk of Australia, who carded a 69 to trail Jutanugarn by two strokes. All three playing partners will seek their first major.
Victory for Moriya would make the Jutanugarns the first sisters to each win a major title since the U.S. LPGA Tour was founded 67 years ago.
Ariya, who was the top-ranked player earlier this season, won the 2016 Women’s British Open.
“I probably don’t feel that bad playing on the golf course rather than watching my sister play,” said Moriya, who recalled feeling “nervous, excited” last year when finishing her round to watch Ariya win at Woburn, England.
Canada’s Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., shot a 71 to sit at 3 over.
Two pairs of brothers have won major titles, though not for more than 50 years.
Lionel and Jay Hebert of the United States each won a PGA Championship in 1957 and 1960, respectively. The Park brothers of Scotland, Mungo and Willie, won back-to-back British Opens in 1874 and 1875.
The fifth women’s major of the season has become a 54-hole event after weather-affected play on Thursday was wiped from the records.