Japan's Hinako Shibuno hit a hurdle as she prepares to defend her Women's British Open title, crashing out in the second round of the Ladies Scottish Open on Friday.

The 21-year-old missed the cut after following her 8-over opening round of 79 with a 6-over 77 at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland.

Hinako Shibuno of Japan plays her tee shot on the 3rd hole during the second round of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club on Aug. 14, 2020, in North Berwick, Scotland. (Kyodo)

Her two-round total was nine shots shy of the 5-over cut line.

The Aug. 13-16 tournament is the traditional lead-up event to the Women's British Open, which is scheduled to tee off on Aug. 20 at Scotland's Royal Troon Golf Club.

Shibuno lacked her usual energy for a second straight day, managing only a solitary birdie while racking up five bogeys and a double bogey.

"My shots were slightly improved (from the opening round), but I have to take responsibility for this score," said Shibuno, who made headlines last August when she won the British Open playing in her first tournament outside Japan.

"I want to discuss with my coach what went wrong, and practice hard in the little remaining time until next week."

American Stacy Lewis and Spaniard Azahara Munoz are tied for the lead at 5-under.

Japan's Nasa Hataoka and Haru Nomura will start the third round tied for 13th at even par.


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