Long-driving Lang at helm

PATTAYA, Thailand – American Brittany Lang shot a three-under par 69 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead over compatriots Morgan Pressel and Paula Creamer at the halfway stage of the $1.45 million LPGA Thailand.

Lang used long drives to produce her second straight bogey-free round, giving her a two-day total of seven-under par 137 at the 6,477 yard Siam Country Club Pattaya Plantation course.

“The course sets up well for me because I hit the ball high,” Lang said. “As far as I can use my length it will be an easy round for me.”

Lang is chasing her best result on tour, with the world’s No. 37 having previously been a second at the 2008 Sybase Classic and at the 2005 U.S. Open as an amateur.

“Last year I’ve worked hard on my mental game. I try hard to put myself in a position to win every time I play. This is where I want to be.”

Pressel, the youngest Major champion at age 18 when she lifted up the 2007 Craft Nabisco title, hit successive birdies to finish with a 68 at this seaside holiday city.

“It wasn’t as hot as it was yesterday,” Pressel said. “I felt vulnerable under the heat, but growing up in Florida helps.

“The greens are firm and it’s difficult to hit the ball close to the pin. I just have to go for the pins and keep the ball on the fairways for the weekend.”

In her trademark pink outfit, crowd favorite Creamer stumbled to bogeys at the opening and third holes but shook off her rust to finish with a 70.

“After the fifth hole, I got back to playing like I normally do,” said world’s No. 3 Creamer. “I made a few birdies in a row and I just kept going.”

Two shots off the lead and at joint fourth were American Angela Stanford (71) and first-round leader Jin Joo Hong of South Korea (73).

The world’s top-ranked player Lorena Ochoa, improved after a mediocre opening round Thursday, firing a 69 to be tied for sixth. (AP)