Wie shoots 73 to drop to 15th place in Korea

INCHEON, South Korea >> Anna Nordqvist of Sweden shot a 2-under 70 to remain tied for the lead with Katherine Hull-Kirk of Australia after the second round of the KEB HanaBank Championship on Saturday.

Hawaii’s Michelle Wie, who started the second round just two strokes off the lead, was tied for 15th after a 73.

Nordqvist had four birdies against two bogeys to move to 7-under 137 while Hull-Kirk had an eventful day with an eagle, a double bogey, five birdies and three bogeys in her 70.

“I played really solid today,” Nordqvist said. “I had a lot of opportunities and I putted a lot of good putts that seemed to go in. I had a couple really good shots that just caught the wind, but overall I’m in a good spot going into tomorrow so I’m very happy.”

Nordqvist is looking to break a four-year winless drought. The Swede last made her way to the winner’s circle at the 2009 LPGA Tour Championship.

Hull-Kirk hasn’t won since the 2010 Navistar LPGA Classic.

Defending champion Suzann Petterson of Norway fired a 69 to move into a tie for third with South Korea’s Ju Young Pak and Amy Yang, who both shot 71.

“I expected to be in contention the way I’ve been playing, that’s all I can ask for,” said Pettersen, who is second on the money list. “We’ll see where I go out tomorrow, but I feel pretty comfortable with the position I’m in.”

Alison Walshe of the United States had seven birdies against three bogeys for a 68 to finish in a four-way tie for sixth.

South Korean star Inbee Park, who leads the money list and the player of the year rankings, struggled to a 73 that left her tied for 22nd with three others, including Na Yeon Choi of South Korea, who won here in 2009 and 2010.

Since the tournament’s first year in 2002, a South Korean has taken home the title seven times.