Hot putter keeps Ko in contention

Lydia Ko had her putter to thank for keeping her in the hunt for a third straight major after the world number one shot a one-under 70.

The New Zealander is a stroke behind leaders Brooke Henderson and Lee Mi-rim at the KMPG Women's PGA Championship.

Ko scrambled her way to eight pars and a birdie on the back nine of her second round at Sahalee Country Club outside Seattle. South Korean Lee had a 69 while Canadian Henderson had a two-over 73.

"If it wasn't for my putter I know I wouldn't be in this position," said Ko, who won the Evian Championship in September and the ANA Inspiration in April.

"I feel like I'm in really good position. There's still a lot of golf to be played, I just have to focus on my game and enjoy it rather than think about what could happen on Sunday."

First-round leader Henderson looked like she would again finish the day alone in top spot but her second into the 18th found a bunker and she made bogey to drop into a tie with Lee.

"I'm disappointed with the missed (par) putt at the last but overall I'm happy with where I am," said the 18-year-old.

"It was a tough day and the conditions made it difficult. I hung in there."

Early sunshine gave way to cool temperatures and eventually rain.

Lee enjoyed one of the day's best rounds with a two-under-par 69 that took her to the top. Ko has Gerina Piller and Brittany Lincicome for company in third spot.

Japan's Ai Miyazato shot a one-under 70 playing alongside Henderson and is two shots back at even-par with Tiffany Joh, Australian Su Oh and South Koreans Ryu So-yeon and Kim In-kyung.