GUANGZHOU, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Chen Yu-ju of Chinese Taipei roared to the top of the CTBC Ladies Classic leader board on Friday when she closed with seven consecutive birdies during the second round to set two new China LPGA Tour records in the process.
Following an erratic front nine at Guangzhou Dragon Lake Golf Club where she made the turn at two-over 38, Chen got to work with a birdie at the 10th hole of the host venue for the 2010 Asian Games. After a par at the next, she then began her birdie run on the way to a six-under 66 and a three stroke lead.
Chen's score of eight-under par 28 on the back nine set a new CLPGA Tour record for lowest score for nine holes. In addition, her eight birdies set a new mark for most birdies for nine holes.
"I was not satisfied with my front nine but I kept a positive mental state. The back nine was much better than I expected. I didn't see the leader board because I didn't want to give myself more pressure," said the 20-year-old who was on seven-under 137 through 36 holes at the tournament with a prize money of 800,000 yuan.
"About breaking the record I am really surprised, very happy. I have never broken the record of any tours. Tomorrow I will keep my condition as today's back nine, try to keep away from the bunkers and maintain the putts."
Overnight leader Renuka Suksuksont of Thailand was equal second after stumbling to a two-over 74, tied with compatriot Parinda Phokan (70).
Renuka, who started the day with a two shot lead, birdied the first hole to get to seven-under. She then dropped strokes at the second and fourth holes before making birdies at the fifth and seven holes.
As heavy rain hit the course at 2.20pm for about 10 minutes, the 22-year-old couldn't take advantage of the soft conditions in registering three bogeys on the back nine including one at the last.
"I was nervous today, my short clubs were not good. I couldn't shoot the ball on the green, I had to chip and save par. I didn't make any birdies on the back nine," said Renuka. "Maybe I was too nervous. I usually switch my mental by eating, this makes me happy. I hope I finish in the top three or even win tomorrow."
After starting her round on the Dragon Lake back nine, China's Zhang Jienalin (75), who tied for equal fourth after the second round, was playing even-par golf through 14 holes until disaster struck at the par-four sixth where she recorded a triple-bogey seven.
"Today I didn't get the ball close to the pin so there were not too many opportunities as yesterday," said the 21-year-old from Henan province. "Everyone will make mistakes, that's golf. Tomorrow I will keep going, follow my plan."
Guangzhou Dragon Lake Golf Club is a 6,533-yard, par-72 layout designed by Dick Davidson.
