ERIN, Wis. -- Mao Saigo already won her first major title this year. She's putting herself in position for another at the U.S. Women's Open.

Saigo shot a 6-under 66 on Friday to take the second-round lead at Erin Hills. At 8-under 136, the 23-year-old Japanese player had a three-stroke advantage over a group of six led by top-ranked Nelly Korda .

If Saigo maintains this pace, she would finish at 16 under to match the score Brooks Koepka had in winning the U.S. Open at Erin Hills in 2017. Koepka matched a U.S. Open record.

Saigo was asked whether 16 under might be within reach.

"It is very difficult to compare," she said through an intepreter. "All I can say is that I will do my best, and as a result, I would like to make a good result."

Saigo won the Chevron Championship in a play

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