World Invitational: Daniel Hillier, Emma Talley take lead

New Zealand's Daniel Hillier and USA's Emma Talley took the lead at the halfway mark in the men's and women's events, respectively, in the World Invitational.

BALLYMENA, NORTHERN IRELAND 31 July, 2021 09:25 IST

Daniel Hillier carded nine birdies and a bogey in his second round. - GETTY IMAGES (FILE)

New Zealand golfer Daniel Hillier made the most of his tournament invite to claim the halfway lead in the World Invitational.

Hillier carded nine birdies and one bogey in a second round of 62 at Galgorm Castle to reach 11 under par, a shot ahead of overnight leader Jordan Smith, who followed his opening 62 at Galgorm with a 68 at Massereene Golf Club on Friday.

ALSO READ - Golf at Tokyo 2020: Anirban Lahiri tied 20th

The 678th-ranked Hillier does not have full playing rights on any tour but equalled the course record with a 64 at Hollinwell in final qualifying for the British Open this month. He narrowly missed the cut at Royal St George's.

How it stands after 36 holes.#WorldInvitational
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 30, 2021

In the women's event, American Emma Talley opened up a three-shot lead over compatriot Jennifer Kupcho and South Korea's Chella Choi thanks to a storming finish to her second round at Massereene.

Talley was furious with herself after posting a second bogey of the day on the par-4 second, her 11th hole, but responded with five birdies in the last six to complete a superb 65 and reach 13 under par.

England's Charley Hull carded a second consecutive 68 to lie four shots off the pace alongside Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh, who led after an opening 66 and added a 70 on Friday.