Saso trips but stays in 3rd

MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso slowed down with a one-over 71 but stayed in the Top 3 at the halfway mark of the US Women’s Open Friday in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Saso, whose opening 68 put her in pole position, mixed two birdies with three bogeys this time on the demanding layout of the Lancaster Golf Club in Round 2 to slip to joint third.

The 2021 winner is level with another former champion Minjee Lee of Australia (69) at one-under 139. They are three shots off new leader Winchanee Meechai of Thailand (136), who submitted a 67 after a 69 to zoom to the top and go two up against American Andrea Lee, who is at 138 after a second straight 69.

“My game wasn’t as sharp as the first round. But I still managed to perform pretty well,” said Saso.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda, two-time LPGA Tour winner Rose Zhang, Fil-Am holder Allisen Corpuz and retiring Lexi Thompson failed to make the cut.

Filipina amateur Junia Gabasa had an 81 and wound up joint 153rd.