Yang takes the lead, Henderson a shot back

REGINA: Park Sung-hyun emerged from the scorer’s tent to a swarm of fans after shooting an eight-under 64 in the second round of the Canadian’s Open.

Few seemed to notice the defending champion and world’s topranked female player as she strolled undisturbed down a path at Wascana Country Club.

These fans had only one person on their minds.

Brooke Henderson is the star of this show, especially after a second straight 66 left her a stroke behind leader Amy Yang.

“Brooke is almost like Canada’s Tiger Woods,” Sung-hyun said after her second straight round with Henderson and Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist.

“I was really surprised at how many fans came out to support Brooke today. To witness that was pretty awesome.”

Dozens of fans – many clad in red and white and waving small Canadian flags – let out a roar when Henderson chipped in on her opening hole and they were just as vocal when the 20-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ontario, capped her round with another birdie.

She took advantage of her length on Thursday and short game on Friday when the wind picked up Friday.

“I hit the ball in good spots and made birdie putts when I had them,” Henderson said.

“I feel like I made the most of today’s round, which is always a great feeling.

“To be close to the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend is awesome, especially when you’re here in Canada.”

Jocelyne Bourassa is the only Canadian to win the national championship, accomplishing the feat in the inaugural 1973 La Canadienne at Montreal Municipal.

Henderson won the LOTTE Championship in April in Hawaii for her sixth tour title.

Yang followed her opening 66 with a 65 to reach 13-under.

The three-time US LPGA Tour winner from South Korea birdied four of the first five holes and finished with nine birdies and two bogeys. — AP