SYLVANIA, Ohio — Laura Diaz rallied for four birdies down the stretch to shoot a 2-under 69 for a three-stroke lead over Lydia Ko and Lee-Anne Pace after Friday’s second round of the Marathon Classic.
Diaz, who has devoted more time to her family than competition in recent years, led by four shots after shooting a bogey-free 62 in the opening round. She is at 11-under 131 at the tournament’s midpoint.
Ko, bidding for a second LPGA Tour title as a pro to go with the two she won as an amateur, shot a second consecutive 67 to share second with South Africa’s Pace, who had a 68.
Lurking another shot back at 135 are 2012 Marathon winner So Yeon Ryu and Rebecca Lee-Bentham, both of whom shot 67s.
