WOMEN'S GOLF:JAPAN'S MIKI Saiki holds a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Evian Masters after carding a second-round five-under-par 67.

The 26-year-old sank six birdies with just a single bogey on the par-four 12th to move to nine under overall at the Evian Masters Golf Club.

Saiki, who fired a 68 yesterday, said: “Yesterday I was hitting the ball really well, and it kind of continued on to today. I was able to hit well and also putt well earlier in the round.”

The world number 22 holds the edge over a group of five players tied on eight under, including co-overnight leaders Maria Hjorth and Shin-Ae Ahn.

Sweden’s Hjorth fired four birdies and one bogey in a round of 69 while Ahn of South Korea had five birdies and two dropped shots.

American pair Angela Stanford, who produced the joint lowest round of the day with a six-under 66, and Stacy Lewis make up the group along with Japan’s Ai Miyazato.

England’s Karen Stupples, who also held a share of the overnight lead, remains in the hunt following a round of 70 to sit on seven under, along with Paula Creamer and Cristie Kerr of the United States.

Defending champion Jiyai Shin had five birdies and two bogeys for a 69 to share 10th spot with Korean compatriot Ran Hong – three shots behind leader Saiki.

Rookie Caroline Hedwall of Sweden, making her tournament debut, shot a 66 to end five under alongside Catriona Matthew among others.

Suzann Pettersen and Virginie Lagoutte-Clement were in a group five shots off the pace at four under par, with Sophie Gustafson a stroke further back.

Melissa Reid kept herself in the running with a 70 to end two under alongside world number one Yani Tseng among other players.

Anne-Lise Caudal finished in a group at one under while Christina Kim, Sandra Gal, Gwladys Nocera, Iben Tinning, Trish Johnson and Anna Nordqvist were the other European Tour members who will play the weekend after surviving the halfway cut.