Local favourite Celine Boutier jumps into lead at Evian Championship

Celine Boutier posted a 2-under 69 in the second round of the Evian Championship to move to 7 under overall, giving her a one-shot lead on Friday.

But surprise overnight leader Paula Reto dropped down the leaderboard after a 4-over 75.

The 29-year-old Boutier, who was two shots back from Reto overnight, is looking to become the first Frenchwoman to win the tournament, which became a major in 2013.

Her solid round kept her narrowly ahead of Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit, who carded 67, and Japan's Yuka Saso (69), in a tie for second.

They are one shot ahead of Nasa Hataoka of Japan (67), Mexico's Gaby Lopez (68) and American Alison Lee (71).

Canada's Brooke Henderson, the defending champion, posted a 1-under 70 to move to 3-under for the tournament. Fellow Canadian Maddie Szeryk missed the cut after shooting an 82 on Friday.

WATCH | Henderson sits in tie for 8th:

Brooke Henderson on the move in France

1 year ago

Duration 2:39

Smiths Falls Ontario's Brooke Henderson shot a 70 (1 under) in round 2 of the Amundi Evian Championship to leave her at 3 under , after 2 rounds and tied for 8th. She will look to defend the title, as round 3 continues Saturday.

Reto struggled badly on the back nine, with a double bogey on the 12th hole followed by three bogeys over the next four holes.

The 33-year-old South African ended the day in a tie for eighth at 3 under overall along with Henderson, who finished on 70.

Boutier was level with 2015 champion Lydia Ko of New Zealand overnight, but Ko drifted way back into a tie for 22nd after a dismal round of 76 at the Evian Resort Golf Club.