Hataoka shares lead entering weekend LPGA’s Japan Classic

OMITAMA, Japan — Japanese players Shiho Kuwaki and Nasa Hataoka shared the top of the leaderboard with a two-stroke lead after the second round of the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic on Friday.

Kuwaki carded her second straight round of 7-under 65, and Hataoka came in with a 66, putting them both at 14-under 130 for the two rounds.

Three players were two shots back — Xiyu Lin of China, Japanese players Mone Inami and Akie Iwai. Lin had a 67, Inami shot 68 and Iwai, after an opening round of 63, carded 69 on Friday.

Sora Kamiya shot 67 and is three back in a tight field. Eight players are four off the pace, and seven more are only five behind. Defending champion Gemma Dryburgh shot 69 and is six strokes behind at the Taiheiyo Club in north central Japan.