Charley Hull leads with Nelly Korda in pursuit at LPGA's Annika

England's Charley Hull, aged 28, recorded a four-under-par 66, establishing a two-stroke advantage over the top-ranked Nelly Korda, 26, following the second round of the LPGA Annika tournament, which was interrupted by darkness on Friday.

Ranked 12th in the world, Hull, who had shared the lead after the first round, achieved five birdies while incurring only one bogey, maintaining her position at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.

"I felt like I was playing quite well," Hull remarked. "The wind made it somewhat challenging. Overall, I feel my game is solid, and I am quite confident."

Korda, who has secured six LPGA victories this year, also posted a score of 66, bringing her total to 132 in her first tournament since a neck injury sidelined her last month. She expressed enthusiasm about competing alongside Hull in the final group on Saturday.

"Playing with her is always enjoyable," Korda stated. "I hope we can put on a good performance."

Hull, a two-time LPGA champion, is in pursuit of her first tour victory since October 2022. She recently claimed her fourth title on the Ladies European Tour, her first in three years, two weeks ago in Riyadh.

She also expressed her eagerness to play with Korda. "I enjoy playing with Nelly. She makes a lot of birdies, which is exciting to witness," Hull noted. "It's really great."

At the time play was suspended due to darkness, three golfers, none ranked in the top 20, had yet to complete their second round. They will finish their rounds on Saturday before the cut is made and the third round commences.

Hull began her round with birdies on the second and fourth holes, followed by a bogey on the fifth. She then started the back nine with a birdie and added birdies on the 13th and the par-5 14th holes.

Hull remarked, "You have numerous wedges approaching. Precision with your shots is essential, and the greens are exceptionally fast. It is an enjoyable and engaging course to navigate."

Korda began her round with a bogey on the 10th hole but quickly rebounded with birdies on the 13th, the par-5 14th, the 17th, and concluded with birdies on both the eighth and ninth holes.

"I feel quite at ease," Korda stated. "The more rounds you play, the better you understand the subtle breaks on the greens, allowing you to learn progressively."

"Despite the windy and challenging conditions, I have a good sense of which holes require a cautious approach, and which ones allow for a more aggressive strategy."

Wichanee Meechai from Thailand recorded five birdies in the last eight holes, finishing with a score of 66, which placed her in a tie for third at 133 alongside American Alexa Pano and South Koreans Im Jin-hee and Lee Mi-Hyang.

"If I can align my mind and spirit, I believe I have the potential to win the tournament," Wichanee expressed.