Korean Park ahead as storms hit U.S. Open again
SOUTHERN PINES, North Carolina (Reuters) - South Korean teenager Park In-Bee led the way on level-par on Friday when the U.S. Women's Open was suspended for the day because of thunderstorms.
Rookie Park, 18, had completed an opening 69 before later adding a second round 73.
Her total of 142 earned a one-stroke lead over countrywoman Jang Jeong (71) and Americans Angela Stanford (71) and Kris Tamulis (71).
The first weather delay of 29 minutes came early in the afternoon and then, after a break lasting more than two hours, play was finally called off for the day at 1735 local time.
Only 24 players completed their second rounds.
Play will resume at 0730 on Saturday, with the third round due to start at 1530.
Leader Park said she was inspired to play the game by fellow South Korean Pak Se Ri.
"I was 10 when she won the U.S. Open (in 1998) and she's my big hero," Park told reporters.
"I decided I wanted to take up golf and then my family moved to America because it is cheaper to play over here and there are more courses."
Annika Sorenstam's title defense faltered. Having completed a first-round 70 in the morning, the Swede was five-over for the championship with one hole to play.
Brazil's 18-year-old rookie Angela Park, who led after an opening 68 on Thursday which was also interrupted by storms, was among half the field yet to start their second rounds.
American Alexis Thompson, the youngest player to compete in the event, was unlikely to break Michelle Wie's record and become the youngest to make the cut in an LPGA-sanctioned tournament.
The 12-year-old Thompson was 12-over through 31 holes.
