Celine Boutier delivers putting masterclass to grab lead at HSBC Women’s World Championship
- Frenchwoman needs just 22 putts in second round at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore
- Boutier bounces back from 73 in first round to take one-shot lead over Japan’s Ayaka Furue into the weekend
France’s Celine Boutier delivered a putting masterclass to storm up the leaderboard with an eight-under-par 64 and snatch the second round lead at the HSBC Women’s World Championship on Friday in Singapore.
Starting the day in a tie for 30th, Boutier needed just 22 putts to navigate her way around the par-72 Tanjong course at Sentosa Golf Club, and heads into the weekend with a one-shot lead over Japan’s Ayaka Furue, who shot a 67.
Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom posted a 68 to take third place while overnight leader Sarah Schmelzel of the United States slipped back into a tie for fourth after carding a 72.
Boutier, a six-time LPGA winner, struggled on the opening day with a 73 but bounced back with a bogey-free round to sit on seven under overall.
“I didn’t really make that many putts yesterday and came up pretty short,” said Boutier. “But today I felt like I made everything. I putted to the right place and was not trying to be too indecisive.
“It was definitely less windy and I was able to get a good start with two birdies on the back, which is my front nine. That gave me a lot of confidence and I just kept going,” the 30-year-old added.
