NODA, Chiba Pref. (Kyodo) Shiho Oyama shot a 1-under-par 71 to take a slender lead at the midway point of the Japan Women's Open on Friday but Yuri Fudo's hopes of notching her eighth win of the season were dealt a major blow as she crumbled with a 79 to slip eight shots off the pace.

Oyama, who won the first title of her career at the Belluna Ladies Cup in July, made three birdies against two bogeys at Chiba Golf Club's Noda Course to snatch pole position from overnight leader Michiko Hattori.

Oyama holed out with a 36-hole total of 3-under 141, for a one-shot lead over 1994 Japan Open champion Hattori and Ayako Uehara.

But money rankings runaway leader Fudo, who is aiming to become the JLPGA's top earner for the fourth year in a row, had a terrible day at the office as she slumped from second into a tie for 32nd after a round consisting of a birdie, six bogeys and a double bogey.