Nelly Korda has a three-shot lead after a blemish-free 68 in the second round of the Women’s Open at St Andrews.

The American is eight-under for the week with England’s Charley Hull – who led after round one – and defending champion Lilia Vu, also of the US, her closest challengers.

After birdies at five and nine, two-time major winner Korda also sunk long putts for gains on the 17th and 18th holes.

“I didn’t take advantage of the calmer conditions on my front nine [the back nine]. But I played some really solid golf, and I’m happy with that,” Korda said.

Meanwhile, Hull, who is seeking her first major title, followed up her 67 in round one with a level-par 72.

Runner-up in both the Women’s Open and Women’s US Open last year, Hull bogeyed the second but three birdies in five holes going into the turn took her to seven-under.

However, dropped shots at 10 and 14 leave her with work to do going into the weekend.

“I actually thought I hit it just as good as yesterday, I just missed three or four four-foot putts, but that was early on in my round,” said Hull.

“I’m only three shots behind. That’s nothing going into the weekend, especially on this golf course.”