Ko’s form continues to blossom in Hawaii

Lydia Ko’s red-hot form has continued with a sensational 9-under par 63 that has in second place after the second round of the Lotte Championship in Honolulu.

After shooting 67 on the opening day of the LPGA tournament, the Kiwi produced a sensational second round, with nine birdies and no bogeys.

She was the tournament leader at 14-under for a time, but was later passed by joint first round leader Yuka Saso, of the Philippines, who has a two-shot advantage after consecutive rounds of 64.

‘‘I feel like I gave myself a lot of good opportunities for birdies,’’ Ko said. ‘‘Overall, feel like my game has been pretty solid,’’ Ko said.

Ko arrived at the Lotte Championship in hot form, having produced one of the best rounds of her career in the final day at the ANA Inspiration, the first major of the year.

‘‘I think that final round I took and fed on my momentum throughout the day. When you get off to a good start it sets the pace.’’

Ko shot 10-under on the final day, but Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, who started the day with a five shot lead, held steady to win by two strokes.

Ko is searching for her first tournament win since April 2018.

GETTY IMAGES Lydia Ko plays her tee shot on the 16th hole of the second round of the Lotte Championship, where she sits in second place, two shots off the lead.