But even the Aussies' failings, which included dismal performances from three-time major winner Minjee Lee and Gabriela Ruffels at the bottom of the pile, weren't as big a surprise as US world No.1 Nelly Korda crashing out on Friday (Saturday AEST).

It meant Korda's bid for a third-straight major and fifth overall has ended early at the Evian Resort, while rising English star Lottie Woad carded a seven-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead from Japan's overnight leader Akie Iwai.

Aussie Kim had been an astonishing winner of the 2025 edition with her incredible playoff triumph, but she was just unable to conjure up anything like the old magic as she recorded a one-over par 72 which left her at three-over-par for the championships, three shots above the level-par cut.

She was far from alone amongst her compatriots in missing the weekend action. Another former major winner Hannah Green missed out by one shot after a 73, Kelsey Bennett was two over after a 70 and Robyn Choi was two over after 71.

Far worse was Ruffels, whose 77 after an opening 78, left her 13 over and the last of all the finishers, with Lee just one stroke better off at 12 over after her own six-over round.

At least there was a spark of good news as Karis Davidson, with a 71, and Cassie Porter, who shot 72, both scraped in under the cut-line at one under, although they're 10 off the searing pace set by Woad.

Woad's round featured eight birdies and a bogey. "I hit a lot of fairways and greens, which is definitely the key around here. If you get in trouble off the tee, it can be pretty difficult," Woad said. 

"The driver is clicking, I've been very good off the tee. If you do that you can have a lot of wedges and chances."

Iwai had held a two-stroke lead overnight from Frenchwoman Perrine Delacou at the lakeside resort, but the Japanese's 69 wasn't enough for her to maintain her advantage. 

The big shock was Korda's exit, despite having had a poor opening round of 74 on Thursday. She improved with a 69 on Friday, but her one-over total left her tied for 67th and a shot adrift of the cut mark.

She'd won the first two majors this season - the Chevron Championship and the US Women's Open - but has often found it hard at Evian-les-Bains and has never finished higher than eighth.

With agencies