Ladies Scottish Open: Trish Johnson leads by six after two rounds

Trish Johnson extended her lead to six shots after two rounds of the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open at Archerfield Links.

The 48-year-old Englishwoman began with a 66 on Friday and followed that up with a 70 to double her three-shot overnight lead ahead of Sunday’s third and final round.

Starting her round on the back nine, Johnson kicked off with five straight pars before following a birdie at the 15th hole with a dropped shot at the next.

But if the chasing pack were hoping the bogey was the start of a slump they were to be disappointed, as further birdies at the sixth and seventh holes saw her reach eight-under 136 for the tournament.

“It was tough out there today, probably harder than yesterday. The wind was much stronger and just relentless so I was very pleased with that,” said Johnson.

“It feels like I’m putting well so hopefully it will continue well tomorrow. It’s more in the head than anything else.” 

Scotland's former Curtis Cup player Sally Watson occupies a share of second place alongside France's Gwladys Nocera, the pair on two under after their respective rounds of 71 and 69.

France's Anne-Lise Caudal was second at the start of play after an opening round of 69, but a second round of 74 saw her challenge fade.

Caudal is, however, the only other player not to be over par for the tournament as she sits on one-under 143.

The Scottish pair of Kylie Walker and Carly Booth, champion in 2012, had opened up with rounds of 70, but they tumbled down the field with rounds of 77 and 79 respectively.