Intro:

Defending champion Suzann Pettersen of Norway holds a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the World Ladies Championship after a 68 on Friday.

Script:

Defending champion Suzann Pettersen fired a second round five-under-par 68 on the Blackstone Course at Mission Hills Resort Haikou in China on Friday to keep her lead at the World Ladies Championship.

The world number two from Norway was on 11-under-par at the halfway stage of the individual 72-hole stroke play tournament, two clear of five other players.

One of her closest rivals So Yeon Ryu, the world number five and 2011 US Women's Open champion, recorded two eagles in her second round.

Valentine Derrey also mixed seven birdies with two bogeys in a 68.

Korean LPGA player Ye Na Chung had six birdies and two bogeys in a four-under 69.

In the team event running concurrently, where scores are determined by the lowest aggregate for each pair representing their country, France and South Korea were tied for the lead on 276 at the halfway point.