Chella Choi Leads LPGA Manulife Classic in Canada

Rachel Rohanna had a hard time at the turn Friday in the second round of the Manulife LPGA Classic, leading her to miss the cut at the Manulife LPGA Classic in Cambridge, Ontario. Her 36-hole lead was the first time she has ever led a tournament in three years as a professional.

“Everything fell together – ball striking, putting”, she told reporters after posting a 10-under 134 total, one stroke ahead of South Korean Kim Hyo-joo (67) and Thai Patcharajutar Kongkraphan (66).

Lydia Ko has been pushed down the leaderboard at the latest event on the LPGA tour in Ontario, where the world number one is eight strokes off the pace. “I knew other girls were struggling too, but I just didn’t make all of the come back putts like I usually do”, said Rohanna. “I actually left a couple of putts out there, but I mean I’m not going to complain about the score that I shot”.

Choi, who is still searching for her first title of the year, is coming off a strong showing at the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open last week, where she finished in a tie for seventh. “Maybe. But definitely the best round I’ve played in a long time”.

Pettersen, who recorded a three-under-par 69, was in excellent form on the front nine as she made four birdies and a bogey, but the Norwegian was unable to maintain her momentum on the closing nine where she made two birdies and two bogeys.

Canadian star Brooke Henderson, playing alongside Jutanugarn, was 3 under after a 71. The 56-year-old South African player eagled the par-5 11th and 18th holes at Canyon Meadows in the round interrupted by lightning, thunder, hail and heavy rain.

“A lot of wind today, but my game is good and driving is good, shots were good, so I made a lot of birdies”. “I have a little bit of experience there, so it’ll be good”. “Without the putter, I don’t think I would have been able to shoot even par”.

“Par saves were like birdies with the noise of the crowd, which is always really exciting”, said the 18-year-old Henderson, who was followed by large crowds all afternoon.

Hamilton’s Alena Sharp is the low Canadian at 5-under. She tied for fourth last week at Priddis Greens for her best finish on the tour.

Michelle Wie missed the cut by a stroke with her second 72.