Stupples drives on at Sunningdale

(Sunningdale, England July 30 2004) England’s Karen Stupples tacked on a two under par 70 to her opening 65 and takes the lunchtime lead in round two of the £1.05million Weetabix Women’s British Open at Sunningdale in Berkshire, the final major championship of the year.

Karen Stupples – faultless 36 holes

“I think once you’ve had a really good round, it’s difficult to keep up the pace. Annika can do it, but I don’t know many others who can. I think to maintain that kind of pace would be really tough. To have a little breather is good and I should be able to come out at the weekend and feel strong and ready for it – I think on the weekend here, as nobody is working, it will be packed.”

The galleries are expected to arrive en masse at the weekend and will have a double delight of British contenders for the £160,000 first prize as Laura Davies, with 66 titles to her credit, is close enough to mount a charge for her fifth major championship title and with it, entry into various Halls of Fame.

“I’m just chasing Karen and trying to keep within reach of her,” said Davies after her round. “I had a nice finish and birdied three of the last five holes, so I think 32 coming back will be one of the best scores out there today.

“I’m pleased to see another English player up there doing really well, the fact she’s English is irrelevant, the fact she’s nine under is relevant!

“Every time I play with her, she’s impressive hits the ball really long with very aggressive shots into the pins, she’s the real thing, definitely. She’s not going to let up, someone is going to have to go out there and find her.”