Scorching sun. Relentless course. A leaderboard under pressure. Under the strain of a pivotal second round at The Amundi Evian Championship, the world’s 132 best players raised their game. At the top, the battle is heating up and the margins are tightening. Lottie Woad holds a narrow advantage, driven by a clear goal: turning last year’s podium finish into a major triumph. Behind her, two French players, Nastasia Nadaud and Perrine Delacour, have surged into the Top 10, keeping local hopes alive amid a star-studded field.

132 players teed it up, but only 66 survived. After two days of intense competition, the cut line, set at even-par 142, delivered its verdict.

The tone was set early. Jeeno Thitikul fired the round of the day with a brilliant 64, highlighted by an eagle and five birdies, to move within striking distance. The same score posted by Lottie Woad. A fitting parallel for two players who narrowly missed out on a podium finish last year and now appear ready to do whatever it takes to claim their first Major title.

Yet Woad took things one step further. With eight birdies and just one bogey, the Englishwoman moved into sole possession of the lead at 11-under-par, overtaking first-round leader Aki Iwai, who sits one shot back in second place.

On a leaderboard as deep as it is international, where Major champions are rubbing shoulders with a new generation chasing breakthrough success, former Amundi Evian Championship winners Anna Nordqvist and Brooke Henderson have joined the mix. From a French perspective, the presence of Nastasia Nadaud and Perrine Delacour near the top of the board, along with Pauline Roussin-Bouchard remaining firmly in contention, is sure to energize the galleries.

Meanwhile, Céline Boutier, the historic 2023 Evian champion, world No. 1 Nelly Korda, and defending champion Grace Kim have already seen their campaigns come to an end.

The stage is set for a thrilling weekend.

The Round 3 Gazette is available here.