Jutanugarn sets early pace in LPGA event

Top-ranked Ariya Jutanugarn shot a 4-under 68 to take a fourstroke lead at the halfway point of the Blue Bay LPGA tournament on Hainan Island in China. Jutanugarn had birdies on the final two holes — and four of the closing seven — Thursday to take command over the rest of the field at 7-under 137. Jennifer Song, Moriya Jutanugarn, and Gaby Lopez shot 71s and were in a tie for second at 3 under. Alena Sharp of Hamilton is tied for 11th at 1 over for the tournament after a 76 on Thursday. Brittany Marchand of Orangeville, Ont., is tied for 23rd at 3 over. The Blue Bay tournament is the last of five on the LPGA Tour’s Asian swing.