Bae grabs lead but Wang makes charge in Mexican heat / Photo: Sarah Stier - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
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Bae grabs lead but Wang makes charge in Mexican heat
Jenny Bae grabbed a one-stroke lead at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba, carding a second consecutive 69 to sit at six-under-par (138) after 36 holes at El Camaleon.
The American's unflappable demeanor and sharp course management left her a stroke ahead of her compatriot Brianna Do and China's Miranda Wang, whose scintillating second-round 65 shook up the leaderboard at the $2.5 million LPGA event.
The 23-year-old Bae, in her rookie season, leaned on a steely mindset to navigate the breezy, jungle-lined layout.
"Today I had the same mindset as yesterday. Just keep calm and stay focused and try to stay in the present," she said.
"It tells me I can still score despite what conditions I'm faced with. I feel pretty good heading into the weekend," she said after ending her round with a birdie on the 18th.
The chasing pack includes China's Yan Jing, South Korea's Lee Jeong-eun, Jenny Shin, Choi Hye-jin, and Australia's Gabriela Ruffels, all at four-under (140).
Mexico's Maria Fassi, at three-over (147), led the home contingent, cheered by a lively local crowd.
Bae said she had been able to cope with the windy conditions that troubled some of her rivals.
"I've gotten a good grasp of the wind. That's a really big advantage out here," she said.
The stunning Riviera Maya backdrop also helped keep her spirit high.
"I've never played on a golf course with such beautiful scenery. Even if I make a mistake, I look around and feel refreshed," she added.
Wang was in sensational form delivering a bogey-free 7-under-par round of 65 but said it had been tough in the intense heat.
"I was really drinking a lot of water, and my caddie did a good job just feeding me water all the time. I think that's the most important.
"It's windy out there so there is some good breeze. Just enjoy the breeze and drink enough water," she said.
S.Cachia--JdM
