Catriona Matthew solid second round of Honda LPGA

CATRIONA Matthew carded a solid 69 yesterday to remain in a share of third place after the second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand.

Of the players who had been tied for third on five under overnight at the Siam Country Club in Chonburi, only Matthew shot anything under 70, the Scot collecting birdies on the first, 15th and 18th holes.

American Stacy Lewis could not match her blistering form from the opening round but she still enjoys a three-shot lead ahead of the third round.

Two bogeys slowed Lewis in a round of 69, three under par, and six shots worse than her first round as she moved to 12 under.

Even so, Lewis retained a healthy advantage as her closest challengers overnight suffered a dismal day.

France’s Karine Icher, who had been three behind, had six bogeys and one double bogey in a round of 77 that saw her tumble to a share of 25th place.

Ariya Jutanugarn is now Lewis’ closest challenger after a round of 66 – the best of the day – moved her to nine under, while So Yeon Ryu and Beatriz Recari both went round in 68 to join Matthew on eight under.

Matthew is the only Scot in the field in Thailand. Jodi Ewart Shadoff, the only Englishwoman, is in a tie for 48th after a 70.