PATTAYA, February 17, 2012 (AFP) - World number one Yani Tseng staged an impressive comeback on the second day of the $1.5 million Honda LPGA Thailand tournament Friday before thunderstorms cut short play.
After her disappointing one-over 73 on the opening day, the Taiwanese defending champion sparkled with a seven-under 65 to get back in the running in joint seventh place with an eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys.
"In the first round I felt so sad about the way I had played and really disappointed. I was even crying. But today I feel great," she said.
Tseng could not fully explain why she played so much better in the second round which saw an improvement by eight strokes. "I think I was more focused and my putting was much better.
"I had a good massage last night -- that may have helped. I told my caddie that I felt I could go out and hit seven-under, and that's what I did."
Australia's Karrie Webb moved to the top of the leaderboard on 10-under for the tournament with four holes to go when play was suspended for the day.
The Australian's incomplete round at the Siam Country Club's Pattaya Old Course included a hole-in-one at the 12th.
"I didn't see it go in but I heard the crowd roar," said a delighted Webb.
"It was a very solid day but a little disappointing I couldn't complete the round today. I hope I can carry on where I left off in the morning."
Clubhouse leader when play was suspended was South Korea's Jiyai Shin on eight-under after shooting a 66. Compatriot Amy Yang was also on eight-under but with four holes to play.
Sweden's Caroline Hedwall was a further shot behind on 65, along with Norway's Suzann Pettersen and South Korea's Choi Na-Yeon who still had four holes to play.
Overnight leader Ai Miyazato from Japan was on six-under in joint seventh place, with five holes left.
Michelle Wie who shot a disappointing 75 in the first round had a much better day, moving up the leaderboard after hitting a four-under 68 with five birdies and just one bogey.
With just 70 players in the tournament there is no half-way cut, so there is still an opportunity for those lower down the field to work their way into contention.
Leading completed scores after the second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2012 tournament at the par-72 Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course on Friday.
136 - Jiyai Shin (KOR) 70-66
137 - Caroline Hedwall (SWE) 72-65, Suzann Pettersen (NOR) 70-67
138 - Yani Tseng (TPE) 73-65, Amanda Blumenherst (USA) 71-67, Pornanong Phatlum (THA) 71-67
140 - Brittany Lincicombe (USA) 70-70
141 - Jenny Shin (USA) 71-70, Jennifer Johnson (USA) 71-70
142 - Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 73-69, Belen Mozo (ESP) 74-68, Cristie Kerr (USA) 74-68, Mina Harigae (USA) 74-68, Meena Lee (KOR) 72-70, Wendy Ward (USA) 72-70, Chella Choi (KOR) 73-69
Selected:
143 - Michelle Wie (USA) 75-68
145 - Paula Creamer (USA) 72-73
146 - Lexi Thompson (USA) 73-73