The American prodigy, who broke on to golfing scene at just 10-years-old after becoming the youngest qualifier for a USGA (United States Golf Association) Championship at the 2000 US Women's Amateur Public Links, is now just 36 holes away from recording her first Major title success.

Despite bogeying the first, the 24-year-old rallied to record birdies at eight, nine and 18, putting her at four under for the tournament, two ahead of Thompson.

"I can't complain," Wie said.

"End of the day yesterday I was thinking if I just did this again, that would be nice.

"But always finishing with two birdies is always great.

"It's a grind out there.

"It's not easy.

"[I am] Really grateful for the par putts that I made and some of the birdie putts that I made.

"I can't complain, I'll take it."

Lexi Thompson sits just two strokes behind fellow American Michelle Wie after recovering well to card a 68 on day two of the US Women's Open ©Getty Images



Thompson began the day two down on her American rival after hitting a one over 71 on the first day of action at Pinehurst, venue for the men's US Open just last week.

The 19-year-old, who qualified for the 2007 US Women's Open, held at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, at age 12, recovered well today as she recorded birdies at three, four and five to really put some pressure on Wie.

Despite steady play for the majority of the round, Thompson, who became the youngest winner of a Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour event in 2011, aged just 16 years, eight months and eight days old, bogeyed the last to fall a further shot behind Wei and give her an extra cushion coming into the final two rounds of action.

After an opening round of 78 yesterday, American golfer Lucy Li, the youngest ever qualifier to compete at the US Women's Open, carded the same result again today as she failed to make the cut for this weekend's action.

American Lucy Li failed to make the cut at the US Women's Open at the tender age of just 11 ©Getty Images



The schoolgirl, who beat the record held by Thompson finished just seven strokes outside the cut after a round that included a double bogey, a triple bogey, five bogeys and two birdies.

"Yeah, it's been a great week," she said after her round.

"I had a lot of fun.

"I learned a lot and, yeah, I guess it has exceeded my expectations."

Action will continue at the Pinehurst number two course tomorrow as American Stacey Lewis and South Korea's Amy Yang attempt to close the gap on the front runners following an even par score after their opening two rounds of play.

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