Two eagles help Matthew soar to top in women`s British Open

London: Britain`s Catriona Matthew had back-to-back eagles in her second-round 67 to share the lead with Italy`s Giulia Sergas at the halfway stage of the Women`s British Open on Friday.Sergas, still seeking a first victory in 10 years as a professional, matched Matthew`s score and they were tied on three-under-par 141 in the final major of the women`s season, one shot ahead of Japan`s Yuko Mitsuka.

Matthew, who gave birth to her second daughter in May, put together a spectacular back nine, sinking a six-foot putt for an eagle three at the long 11th and then hitting a hole-in-one with an eight iron at the par-three 12th. The 39-year-old Scot, a two-time LPGA winner, added four birdies -- at the 13th, 15th, 16th and last -- and only a bogey at the 17th marred a stunning seven-under par inward half. "I didn`t start too well today," said Matthew, who won the 1993 Women`s British Amateur Championship at Lytham. "But I was delighted at the way I turned it round. I`ve never had two eagles in a row and seven under for nine holes is one of my best ever.” "I started practicing about five weeks after Sophie was born and it`s been quite easy to come back," added Matthew, who made her competitive return last week in France. Sergas also made her score over the easier, downwind back nine. She birdied the 11th and then had four in a row from the 13th to be home in 32. California-based Sergas, ranked 79 in the world, needs a good finish to have a chance of making her Solheim Cup debut in three weeks` time. Captain Alison Nicholas will name her team on Sunday. American Michelle Wie took ran up a double bogey six at the 18th for a 76 to stand on five over par, eight shots off the lead. "But if I can shoot two round under par then I`ve still got a chance," the 19-year-old said. World number one Lorena Ochoa had a 77 and made the cut with a shot to spare on eight over par. Bureau Report