Lottie Woad surged to within one shot of the halfway lead at the Kroger Queen City Championship on Friday, posting a six‑under 66 after an opening‑round 70. The English rookie rattled seven birdies and a single bogey to sit one behind defending champion Jin Young Ko, who sits at seven under after two rounds, moving her into contention for the LPGA points race.

Charley Hull, last year’s winner, briefly joined Woad after an eagle on the par‑five seventh and birdies on the eighth and tenth, but a run of six bogeys in her final eight holes dropped her to a two‑over 72, eight strokes off the lead. World No 1 Nelly Korda and No 2 Jeongeun Thitikul remained three shots back, keeping the leaderboard tight.

The surge from Lottie Woad signals a potential breakthrough for the 22‑year‑old, who praised calmer winds and better tee shots as key factors. Ko’s steady play keeps her within striking distance, while Hull’s collapse underscores the volatility of weekend rounds. Korda and Thitikul, within three strokes, will need to press the attack to overthrow the leader.