Feng Shanshan, who became the first player from mainland China to win a major on the LPGA Tour earlier this year, took a stranglehold on the 500,000-euro Dubai Ladies Masters yesterday as she opened up a four-shot lead at the halfway stage.

At the Majlis course of Emirates Golf Club, the world No. 6 and the highest ranked player in the field shot a 7-under par 65 to tally 13-under par 131 in the season-ending event of the Ladies European Tour.

Two early birdies set the tone for Feng, and she never looked back after that.

"I have shot 66 several times this year, so yesterday, during the first round, I wanted to go lower than that but it did not work out," said Feng, winner of the LPGA Championship and Japan Open this year. "So, I am really happy that I managed to get a 65 in.

"I played really well but I did feel the pressure on the first tee. But the two birdies on the next two holes calmed me down and I was all right after that. I hit some good shots and I putted really well. I am happy with my position, but there are still two days to go.

"I am not putting any pressure on myself to win the tournament. I still maintain that I will be very happy if I finish inside the top-5."

England's Felicity Johnson made five birdies on her back nine, including one on the 18th, for a 67 to take solo second place at 9-under par 135.

Caroline Masson of Germany, the only player in the field who can upstage Money List leader Carlota Ciganda, scored a second consecutive 4-under par 68 and was tied for the third place at 8-under par 136 with three others.

France's Joanna Klatten matched Feng's 65 as the low round of the day to move up to tied third place along with compatriot Gwladys Nocera (68) and American Cindy Lacrosse (69).

Ciganda kept pace with Masson with a 68 of her own that tied her for the eighth place at 6-under par 138.

Defending champion Alexis Thompson shot a 68 and was six shots behind the leader at 7-under par 137. Michelle Wie (73) closed her round with a double bogey, but made the cut easily at one-under par 143.

England's four-time champion Melissa Reid pulled out with a hand injury after a round of 76 on Wednesday.

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