EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — South Korea's rising star Somi Lee fired a stunning six-under-par 65 in the second round of the Evian Championship, seizing a one-shot lead at the midway point of the season's fourth major.
Lee, 24, capitalized on pristine morning conditions at Evian Resort Golf Club, carding seven birdies against a lone bogey to reach 10-under 132 overall. Her performance edged her past first-round leader Ayaka Furue of Japan, who posted a 68 to sit at nine-under.
Flawless Front Nine Sets the Tone
Lee's round ignited with three consecutive birdies starting at the par-4 2nd hole. "I trusted my putting reads completely today," she said through an interpreter. "When the first 15-footer dropped on No. 2, I knew it could be a special day."Key moments in Lee's charge included:
- A 25-foot birdie putt at the 6th
- Precision wedge to 3 feet at the par-5 9th
- Recovery par save from a fairway bunker at 11
Chasing Pack Features Major Champions
Lurking two strokes back at eight-under are:- Defending champion Brooke Henderson (67)
- Two-time major winner Lydia Ko (66)
- World No. 3 Celine Boutier (68)
Ko's bogey-free round featured vintage ball-striking. "I've been working hard to get back to swinging freely like I did in my teens," the 26-year-old said. "This course rewards that aggressive mindset."
Weather Could Play Factor
Forecasts predict afternoon thunderstorms for Saturday's moving day, potentially favoring early starters like Lee's group. The Korean acknowledged the challenge: "I'll need the same focus if conditions change. Major championships test every part of your game."Notable projections for the weekend:
- Cut line fell at +2, eliminating 2018 winner Angela Stanford
- World No. 1 Nelly Korda sits T15 at four-under
- Amateur Ingrid Lindblad (T7) leads low amateur race
Lee's Major Breakthrough?
With three LPGA wins but no top-10s in majors previously, Lee admitted feeling nerves. "My coach reminded me this is just golf - same game I've played since I was six," she said. "The cliché about one shot at a time? That's truly my plan."Analysts note Lee's statistical strengths align perfectly with Evian's demands:
- Ranked 2nd in LPGA putting average (1.72)
- Leads field in greens hit regulation (83%)
- 3rd in driving accuracy this season (78%)
Historic Context
A Korean player has won four of the last seven Evian Championships. Lee could join:- Inbee Park (2012, 2015)
- Jiyai Shin (2010 amateur winner)
- Hyun-Ju Kim (2019 playoff victory)
Third-round pairings will feature Lee alongside Furue at 1:45 p.m. local time (7:45 a.m. ET), with Ko and Henderson directly ahead. Tournament officials moved tee times up two hours to avoid predicted afternoon storms.
Evian Resort's signature 18th hole - a risk-reward par-5 with lake views - could prove decisive Sunday. Last year, Henderson eagled it to force a playoff. "That hole gives and takes," said Boutier. "You'll see everything from eagles to 'others' there this weekend."
With $1 million going to the winner and Rolex ANNIKA Major Award points at stake, Lee remains focused on process over outcome. "My goal was to be in contention Sunday afternoon," she said. "Now I need to stay patient and let my game speak."
