Haeran Ryu rebounds, leads AIG Women’s Open in bid for third straight major win

Haeran Ryu is now in prime position to claim another major title. After a rocky start to the second round at the AIG Women's Open, where she played her first five holes in 3 over par, the South Korean golfer staged a significant recovery. She carded a 2-under 69 to take the outright lead at Royal Lytham & St Annes, moving to 7 under par for the tournament.

Ryu is currently chasing history, as she enters this week with wins in two of her last three major starts. Should she win this weekend, she will become the fifth player in tour history to secure three consecutive major victories. The previous players to reach this mark include Inbee Park, Pat Bradley, Mickey Wright, and Babe Zaharias.

The leaderboard remains crowded heading into the weekend. Shiho Kuwaki, the top-ranked player on the LPGA Japan Tour, sits one shot behind Ryu at 6 under par. Overnight leader Jeeno Thitikul struggled in the second round with a 73 and is currently tied at 5 under par with Yealimi Noh.

Nelly Korda also rebounded during her second round. After opening with a 73, she finished with a 3-under 68, placing her at 1 under for the event. Korda remains six shots back but maintains that anything is possible on a links course. The third round begins Saturday as the field looks to catch Ryu in her pursuit of a third straight major win.