Jeeno Thitikul Fires 64, Storms Up the Evian Championship Leaderboard

Jeeno Thitikul didn't just climb the leaderboard Friday at the Amundi Evian Championship—she charged straight back into the major conversation.

The World No. 2 carded a bogey-free 64—her lowest 18-hole score at any major championship—erasing an opening-round deficit with five birdies and an eagle to put herself firmly in contention heading into the weekend. One year after coming up just short in France, Thitikul suddenly has another chance to rewrite the ending.

The 23-year-old seemed to play with plenty of freedom and comfortability during her second round, which is something that not every player shares at Evian. The French major has long divided opinions, with its dramatic elevation changes, heavily sloped fairways and greens, and unpredictable bounces often leaving players feeling more frustrated than rewarded. When Nelly Korda was asked her thoughts about this track she simply said, "Evian is just Evian"...no further explanation given (or needed).

Thitikul, however, embraces the challenge. "I love the course, how it looks," she said after Friday's round. "I know it's so slopey, but it have room for you to kind of like hit it and then let it help you to get it to the hole or to the spot that you wanted." Rather than fighting the course's quirks, Thitikul sees them as an opportunity—and so far that mindset is paying off as she looks to collect her maiden major title.

Though Thitikul wasn't the only star making a second round statement. Charley Hull continued her steady climb after backing up Thursday's late charge with another solid round of a one-under par round of 70, while several others positioned themselves within striking distance as the Evian Championship heads into moving day.

Aki Iwai continues to lead the way with, stretching her lead but not far behind her is Lottie Woad, who is picking up where she left off just a year ago.

The then amateur, nearly won this event, but ultimately missed out on the playoff between Grace Kim and Jeeno. Her consolation prize was pretty sweet though, as she was able to earn her final LEAP points to earn eligibility for her LPGA status.

"It's just nice coming somewhere that you're more familiar with, Woad said on Thursday. "I mean, I probably still played this one of the least out of the most people playing with it being here every year, but this year so far every course has been new. So even just the practice days it's nice to just kind of turn up and already know where the holes go and stuff like that. Just makes you feel a little bit more comfortable."