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Shanghai - South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai coped admirably with swirling winds to battle her way to a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Blue Bay LPGA in China on Thursday.
Still searching for the first win of her LPGA Tour career, Buhai shot a four-under-par 68 at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Club on the southern island of Hainan.
"I feel I am getting more comfortable with the situation," the 28-year-old, who birdied four of her last seven holes, told LPGA.com of her trophy drought.
Buhai is however getting closer and has two top-five finishes this year.
China's Feng Shanshan, the world number three who last week picked up her second win of the season, shot a 67 for the lowest round of the day and is just a shot back.
But the rest of the field struggled in the blustery conditions and the scoring averaged at four-over-par 76.
In-form Feng said she was enjoying having the support of the Chinese crowd.
"I'm playing in front of all the fans from home. Of course I feel a little bit of pressure and I'm pretty sure tomorrow will be more people coming to support me," she said.
"But I just wanted to bring out my 'A' game and enjoy the week."
First-round leader Sun Young-Yoo of South Korea carded a 74 and was third at five-under for the championship.
Leading scores after the second round of the Blue Bay LPGA in Hainan, China on Thursday (par 72):
135 - Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) 67-68
136 - Feng Shanshan (CHN) 69-67
139 - Sun Young-Yoo (KOR) 65-74
140 - Lizette Salas (USA) 67-73
141 - Sandra Gal (GER) 71-70, Nelly Korda (USA) 71-70, Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 69-72
142 - Karine Icher (FRA) 71-71, Moriya Jutanugarn (THA) 69-73, Lee-Anne Pace (RSA) 67-75, Sui Xiang (CHN) 66-76
143 - Nicole Broch Larsen (DEN 71-72, Megan Khang (USA) 71-72, Kim Hyo-Joo (KOR) 71-72, Jessica Korda (USA) 71-72, Alison Lee (USA) 69-74, Alena Sharp (CAN) 69-74, Austin Ernst (USA), Lee Jeong-Eun (KOR) 67-76
