RYU LEADS AT HALFWAY STAGE OF AIG WOMEN’S OPEN

Haeran Ryu produced a round of 69 (-2) on day two of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open to hold a one-stroke lead at the midway mark at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The Korean star fired a 66 (-5) on day one in England and had a rocky start on the second day of action with a bogey on three and a double bogey on five.

However, the two-time Major champion recovered well rolling in birdies on holes seven, nine and 10.

Ryu, who has won the last two Major championships in 2026, added further birdies on 15 and 18 to seal her place at the summit of the leaderboard on seven-under-par.

“I’m just trying to have fun on the course because this course is stressful because there are a lot of bunkers and the greens are tough and then it’s windy too. I’m just trying to have fun on the golf course with my caddie,” said Ryu.

“I have played golf for almost 15 years, so I think I learned a lot for [being in] the good position. That’s why these days I’m pretty calm and happy on the golf course. I don’t want to focus on other players; I just keep thinking about my golf and the golf course.”

“There are a lot of great players in here, so that’s why I just want to think about my golf because this is a major, nobody knows what comes up. Tomorrow I just want to be happy with my play and think about my swing.”

Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki is in second place after a round of 70 (-1), Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul and American Yealimi Noh share third place on five-under after rounds of 73 and 70, respectively.

Unfortunately there will be no Irish interest at the weekend as Leona Maguire, Lauren Walsh and Anna Foster all failed to make the cut.

Picture: Haeran Ryu of South Korea reacts following a birdie putt on the 15th green. (Photo by Morgan Harlow/R&A)