Yamashita holds 3-shot lead over Takeda at the Women's Open - ESPN

PORTHCAWL, Wales — Miyu Yamashita started and finished with short birdie putts and was flawless in between as she posted a 7-under 65 on Friday to build a three-shot lead over Rio Takeda going into the weekend of the Women's British Open.

The Japanese players, both among the top 15 in the women's world ranking, played in the same group at Royal Porthcawl and put on a show in the second round, matching great shots and big putts along the way that left the rest of the field far behind.

Takeda was the only player within seven shots of Yamashita. Nelly Korda (72) and rising English star Lottie Woad (70) were among the top 10 on the leaderboard and still nine shots behind at the halfway point.

Woad was on the cusp of contention until a triple bogey on the par-4 16th.

«There was a lot more good in it than bad,» Woad said. «Played really well for 17 holes, just that one hole cost me a bit.»

Yamashita was bogey-free and did most of her damage with four birdies in a five-hole stretch around the turn as she took advantage of an early start before stronger wind arrived.

«I didn't make any particular adjustments to my swing, but the wind was strong, so I think shots are important, as well as club selection and the direction I aim at the target,» Yamashita said. «So things like that are important, so I played while keeping in mind the image I've been practicing so far.»

Takeda, whose two LPGA titles include the Toto Japan Classic last year before she was a member, was slowed by a pair of bogeys. Takeda atoned for that with a superb approach into the par-5 ninth that settled within tap-in range for eagle. She shot 69.

«I was able to play calmly today, and I hope to focus on my game and play calmly again tomorrow,» Takeda said.

Yamashi