LOS ANGELES (REUTERS) - Lexi Thompson overcame an ailing back to fire a four-under-par 67 and take a one-shot lead after the second round of golf's Meijer LPGA Classic on Friday.
The defending champion moved to 10-under-par at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a stroke ahead of Canadian Alena Sharp and South Koreans Chun In Gee, Q Baek and Ryu So Yeon.
"I'm not really one to complain about pain because I just fight through it, but yeah, it's hurting," the 21-year-old American told reporters.
"I didn't really want to pay attention to how bad it was hurting because then it brings more attention to it and it becomes a mind game."
World No. 1 Lydia Ko and No. 2 Brooke Henderson shot matching 68s and are three behind Thompson at seven-under.
The two teenagers are coming off a play-off duel at the Women's PGA Championship where Henderson claimed her first Major title.
"Anybody can win," the Canadian said. "Anybody can make something happen and it just takes two more really good days and hopefully looking at that trophy on Sunday."
The Korean-born Kiwi said she was happy with the way she played but there was room for improvement.
"My ball striking wasn't as good as yesterday so hopefully it can get better progressively on the weekend," she added.
