Matthew makes forward move

Scotland’s Catriona Matthew has put herself bang in contention at an Office Depot Championship that was thrown into confusion by foggy weather on the outskirts of Los Angeles.

With play delayed for over three hours in the morning and more mist forecast for tomorrow, there was every chance that the tournament would extend into Monday – or be cut to 36 holes.

Only half the field managed to complete the second round, and they included South Korea’s Hee-Won Han, who had a 68 to set the target of nine under 133.

She had a three-shot clubhouse lead over American Tina Barrett, who shot 66.

Matthew, who opened with a 69, made a huge move by covering eight holes in a flawless five under par to move into joint second place on seven under par before darkness called a halt.

She opened with a birdie and then eagled the long second for the second day in a row by holing from 20 feet.

Matthew picked up anther shot with a 12-foot putt at the short fourth and made another birdie two at the eighth where she came within a couple of feet of a hole in one.

“It was good to play so well after the delay and now I really hope we manage to play the full three rounds,” said Matthew.

“I’m now in a good position and you never really want to see a title decided over 36 holes.”

England’s Karen Stupples, who opened with a promising 68, slipped back to two over par after a disappointing 76.

World number one Annika Sorenstam was six shots off the lead after an unusually erratic 70 for three under 139.

She holed a 95-yard shot for an eagle two at the first hole but had a double-bogey at the sixth. She also had three birdies and two bogeys.

France’s Karine Icher was alongside Matthew on seven under par after covering seven holes in one under.