Miyu Yamashita started and finished with short birdie putts and was flawless in between as she posted a 7-under 65 on Friday to build a three-shot lead over Rio Takeda going into the weekend of the Women's British Open.

Miyu Yamashita took advantage of a comfortable pairing with compatriot Rio Takeda and calmer conditions to shoot a sparkling 7-under 65 and vault to a three-stroke lead at Royal Porthcawl. Takeda, a rookie who has already won twice on the LPGA, sits in solo second, three shots back.

Rio Takeda overcame a double bogey at the turn with four birdies over her final seven holes Thursday (Friday in Manila) for a 5-under 67 to share the lead with Eri Okayama in a Women’s British Open that featured a Japanese surge and a mixed day for Lottie Woad.