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Golf: Fudo moves into lead at Accordia Golf Ladies+
(Japan Economic Newswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)MIYAZAKI, March 11_(Kyodo) _ Yuri Fudo, the money title winner on the Japan LPGA tour the previous six years, moved into the lead after shooting a second-round 67 at the Accordia Golf Ladies on Saturday.
Fudo carded six birdies against a bogey and bailed herself out with a string of par saves on her way to a 6-under-par 138 total at Aoshima Golf Club, going into the final round one shot clear of Michie Oba and Michiko Hattori.
Oba charged up the leaderboard with nine birdies, including three straight from the fourth and again from the 16th, and a bogey in a course record of 64. Tour veteran Hattori fired a 69 and stayed in second.
"I had just 25 putts after making those par putts that saved my day," Fudo said. "I think I hit a lot of good shots late in my rounds. I was busy trying to save par early on, though."
Fudo uncharacteristically lacked accuracy with her irons on the front nine and had one-putt pars on four holes, including three in the first four holes, before finding her rhythm after making adjustments with her approach shots.
Four of her birdies came on the inward nine while the only blemish of her round came with a bogey on the par-4 15th.
"I'm in title contention for the first time this season, so I can't imagine what's going to happen tomorrow in the final round. I'll try to relax without thinking much about winning," Fudo added.
First-round leader Hiromi Mogi had an even-par 72 and dropped into a tie for fourth with Akiko Fukushima, who shot a 68.
Mikiyo Nishizuka, winner of the season-opening Daikin Orchid Ladies last week, missed the cut. Daikin runner-un Sakura Yokomine is in a tie for 31st at 3-over 147.
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