Okamoto Takes a Two-Stroke Lead in Florida

Ayako Okamoto, Japan’s most successful woman golfer, surged out of the pack with a seven-under-par 65 Friday to take a two-stroke lead after two rounds of the $200,000 Mazda tournament at Deer Creek Country Club.

While most of the women had trouble battling the windy conditions, Okamoto produced seven birdies, including five in a row, to score her best round in Ladies Professional Golf Assn. play.

That combined with her shaky opening-round 73 to give her a two-round total of 138 and put her two shots up on Jane Geddes, Pat Bradley, Donna White and Chris Johnson.

First-round leader Lauren Howe and the four golfers who were tied for second after 18 holes faded in the wind during the second round.

Okamoto, 33, speaking through an interpreter, said she didn’t feel like she was striking the ball especially well and termed the round “an accident.”