Yamashita Leads Women’s Open with Flawless 65

Yamashita Surges to Top with Bogey-Free 65 at AIG Women’s Open

Miyu Yamashita delivered a stunning bogey-free round of 65 to seize the solo lead at Royal Porthcawl, ending Friday’s play at 11 under par and three shots ahead of fellow Japanese player Rio Takeda at the 2025 AIG Women’s Open.

On a calm morning in south Wales, the 23-year-old took full advantage of benign conditions, stringing together seven birdies in a clinical display of course management and precision.

Yamashita will turn 24 on Saturday and is now in prime position to celebrate her birthday as the 54-hole leader.

Leaderboard After Round Two

Top Leaders:

• -11 Yamashita (Jpn)

• -8 Takeda (Jpn)

• -4 Anannarukarn (Tha), Duncan (US), Fuenfstueck (Ger), Tamburlini (Swi)

Selected Others:

• -2 Harry (Wal), Korda (US), Woad (Eng)

• -1 Nordqvist (Swe), Rhodes (Eng)

• E G Hall (Eng), Hull (Eng)

• +1 Maguire (Irl)

• +2 G Kim (Aus), M Lee (Aus), Ko (NZ)

Japanese Domination as Takeda Keeps Pace

Playing in the same group as Yamashita, Rio Takeda posted a three-under 69, backing up her opening 67 to stay within touching distance of her compatriot. The duo will play together again on Saturday in the final pairing.

A four-shot gap separates the Japanese pair from a chasing pack tied at -4, including Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn and America’s Allyssa Duncan.

Woad and Korda Among Leading Contenders

England’s Lottie Woad was flying up the leaderboard with six birdies before disaster struck on the 16th hole. A triple-bogey derailed her round, and she finished with a two-under 70 — still enough to sit at -2, tied with Wales’ Darcey Harry and world number one Nelly Korda.

“I’d certainly take it [two under par] now,” said Woad, “but not when I was standing on the 16th tee.”

Korda, meanwhile, battled blustery afternoon winds to post a level-par 72, keeping her within reach over the weekend.

Lydia Ko Makes Cut, Kyriacou Aces the 8th

Defending champion Lydia Ko made the cut at +2, which slipped back late in the day. The Kiwi avoided elimination by the narrowest of margins after a nervy finish.

Australia’s Steph Kyriacou lit up the day with the first hole-in-one of the tournament at the par-three 8th, providing a rare highlight in tougher afternoon conditions.

Other Notables & Cut News

The cut was set at +2, allowing big names like Charley Hull, Georgia Hall, and Leona Maguire to qualify for the weekend rounds. World No. 2 Atthaya Thitikul dropped from -4 to -1 after a costly triple-bogey on the 15th.

Looking Ahead to Moving Day

With Yamashita and Takeda clear of the pack, Saturday’s third round promises intense competition as the chasing group looks to close the gap.

Yamashita’s calm demeanor and sharp ball-striking could make her hard to catch — but at a course as volatile as Royal Porthcawl, nothing is guaranteed.