LPGA Tour: Laura Davies tied for lead at Mizuno Classic

Laura Davies turned back the clock in Japan to grab a share of the lead in the Mizuno Classic at Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club.

The 51-year-old from Surrey posted a second round five-under-par 67 to join South Korean Ilhee Lee and Ai Suzuki of Japan at the top of the leaderboard.

Davies, who would become the oldest ever champion on the LPGA Tour if she could win on Sunday, offset a brace of bogeys with seven birdies.

After 36 holes of this 54-hole event, Davies stands at nine-under-par following her 68 on Friday.

Davies, who won the most recent of her 20 LPGA titles in 2001, said: "I've been playing well but my results have been horrendous.

"If you don't hole putts, you can't compete out here anymore. It's not like it's a shock to me but it's a nice surprise."

As for trying to become the oldest champion in Tour history, Davies offered a mixed reaction by saying: "Obviously, it's a bad thing, really, because it means I'm really old.

"But it would be a nice thing too because it would mean I have a good record."

At the other end of the scale Suzuki could become a first-time winner at the age of 20.

Her second round 64 yielded nine birdies and the youngster admitted: "I won't be thinking about the win.

"l'll just try my best and see how I can do in an LPGA tournament."

With 18 holes remaining, there are 16 players within four shots of the lead including 11 from either Japan or South Korea.