Awesome Ashok storms into 2-shot lead in Aramco Saudi Ladies International

KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY: In-form Indian star Aditi Ashok produced a scintillating six-under 66 in the second round of the $5 million Aramco Saudi Ladies International, presented by Public Investment Fund, to take a two-shot lead over world No. 1 Lydia Ko and American dark horse Lilia Vu at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.

Ashok, who won the season-opening Magical Kenya Ladies Open at Vipingo Ridge just two weeks ago, was just one shot behind overnight leaders Ko and Pajaree Anannarukarn after a bogey-free 65, and she continued her incredible vein of form going out in the afternoon on day two.

Teeing off on 10, she made a fabulous start with four birdies in her opening five holes, before birdying her seventh and eagling her ninth, the par-five 18th, for a tournament record of 29.

Bogeys on the turn and hole six threatened briefly to derail her charge, but a birdie on nine, her 18th, ensured a healthy two-shot lead over Ko (69) and Vu, who carded a bogey-free six-under 66.

Ashok, on 13 under at the halfway stage, said: “It was just one of those days where whenever I stepped to the ball I just knew the ball was going in.

“It was just one of those days where everything works in your favor; the front nine was definitely like that.”

On her third-round strategy, the 24-year-old said: “I’m just going to try and focus on doing the same stuff I’ve done.

“I’ve played the par fives pretty good. The rest of the time I’ve just hit fairways and greens, got myself the birdie putts.

“Sometimes I hit a good putt and it goes in, but it’s important to have the birdie putts all day.”

Vu credited the conditions for helping her stay focused and produce a superb 66 in the wind.

She said: “I think the wind helped because it