Nov 23, (V7N) - Angel Yin delivered a composed performance under challenging conditions to shoot a three-under-par 69 and claim a two-stroke lead at 10-under 134 after the second round of the LPGA Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

Yin’s round featured six birdies and three bogeys, but her lead was momentarily in doubt due to a possible penalty for an improper drop on the fourth hole. After a review with LPGA officials, no penalty was assessed, allowing Yin to maintain her position atop the leaderboard.

The incident stemmed from Yin's second shot on the par-4 fourth, which landed in a water hazard. Questions arose over whether she took the drop in the correct location. After discussing the situation with rules officials and explaining her process, Yin avoided a penalty.

"I explained where I thought I crossed the hazard and asked everyone in my group. We all agreed on the spot," Yin said. "It’s about maintaining the integrity of the game, and I’m glad we clarified it."

South Korea’s Choi Hye-jin carded a bogey-free 68 to move into a tie for second with compatriot An Na-rin, the first-round leader, at 8-under 136. Both players showcased precision and consistency to stay within striking distance of Yin heading into the weekend.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda bounced back from an even-par opening round to shoot a bogey-free 66, leaping 40 spots to a share of fourth at 6-under 138. Her round included a spectacular eagle on the par-4 third hole, where she holed out from the rough, alongside four birdies.

"I hit an 8-iron from the rough, and it landed soft and went in. It was definitely a great way to start the day," Korda said. Already crowned LPGA Player of the Year, Korda now aims to secure her eighth title of the season.

The LPGA Tour Championship, featuring the season’s top 60 players, offers a record-setting $4 million prize to the winner from an $11 million purse. With Yin chasing her second career LPGA title and multiple strong contenders, the final two rounds promise high drama.

Defending champion Amy Yang sits in a tie for fourth at 6-under alongside Japan’s Ayaka Furue, China’s Yin Ruoning, and Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, all within striking distance of the lead.

Yin will need to replicate her clutch putting and composure under pressure as the competition intensifies. Meanwhile, Korda and the South Korean challengers are poised to make a charge in what could be a thrilling finale to the LPGA season.

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