Big-hitting Korda takes lead in Alabama

Korda leads Karrie Webb by a stroke after round two after her 7-under 65 put her 13-under.

“I’m hitting the ball good and I’m having a lot of fun out there,” said Korda, who recently recovered from a wrist injury.

“Right now it’s Friday, so I think really the tournament starts back nine on Sunday. So right now, it’s great to have the lead and I feel good.”

Australian Webb, 38, also shot a bogey-free round – including three birdies to finish – on her way to a 63.

Webb has 38 LPGA titles to her name whereas Korda has just one. She found playing with big-hitting Americans Korda and Brittany Lincicome tough going.

“When you’re playing with Jess and Brittany, if I hit a really good one I’m 20 yards behind them,” Webb said.

“In certain parts of the golf course where they can carry parts that I can’t, I’m 40 yards behind them, so I’m the little short one out there trying to keep up with the big girls.”

Korda said: “Yeah, we give Webby a hard time. She did outdrive me on the first hole today and she’s like, ‘What’s going on?’ And I’m like, ‘Did you work out last night?’

“We were just keeping it kind of light out there and having a good time.”

Chella Choi is two strokes back at 11-under after shooting a 66 while Sydnee Michaels’s course-record 62 put her 10-under with Pornanong Phatlum and Thidapa Suwannapura.

Defending champion Stacy Lewis is 4-under while Michelle Wie missed the cut, along with Lincicome.