Mirim Lee leads Women's British Open at Woburn after two rounds

Mirim Lee could not match her first-round efforts, but a 71 was good enough to maintain her dominance on 11 under at the Women's British Open at Woburn on Friday.

The 25-year-old South Korean leads an Asian 1-2-3 with a one-shot lead over China's Feng Shanshan (68) and Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn (69). 

Scotland's Catriona Matthew, 47 next month and winner at Royal Lytham and St Annes in 2009, shot a best-of-the-day 65, which included seven birdies, to move into joint fourth on nine under alongside another South Korean Jang Ha-Na (67).

Lee admitted it had not been quite as smooth as the first round and said: "The tee shots were a little off.

"I had a couple of three putts. I was a little bit nervous but I think that's natural when you are leading a major." 

Matthew's 65 included seven birdies and no bogeys. These are exciting times for the veteran who is all set to play for Team GB in Rio this summer.

England's Charley Hull will head into the weekend just behind the leaders after adding a two under par 70 to her opening 69 to go into the third round within the group at five under par 139.

"It's great fun playing in front of my home supporters," the 20-year-old said. "It's great for my golf and great for Woburn. I think it's brilliant."

World No 1 Lydia Ko made the cut with a shot to spare on level par 144 after a second round 70. In danger of missing the weekend, the 19-year-old New Zealander birdied the 15th and 16th.

"I just tried to be patient," said the two-time major winner. "I knew I needed to shoot under par today and the birdies at 15 and 16 gave me a little breathing space.

"Going into today, my goal was to play all four rounds. Now I just have to stay positive. There are still 36 holes to go."

But notables who did miss out included Americans Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie, who shot 76 and 73 respectively.