Ochoa is looking for a first major title at St Andrew's

SECOND-ROUND LEADERBOARD:
-6 L Ochoa (Mex)
-5 W Ward (US), C Matthew (Sco)
-3 A Sorenstam (Swe), S Steinhauer (US), Y Fudoh (Jpn), R Hudson (Eng), K Icher (Fra)

Lorena Ochoa shot a level-par second round to stay in front at the Women's British Open, while Scotland's Catriona Matthew charged into contention.

World number one Ochoa maintained her bid for a first major with a 73 to stay six under, one clear of Wendy Ward (70) and Matthew, who shot a superb 68.

Former number one Annika Sorenstam moved up to three under, in a group with England's Rebecca Hudson.

Michelle Wie made five bogeys and one double bogey in a round of 80.

The 17-year-old managed her only birdie of the day at the last but crashed out of the event on seven over par.

"I'm still positive about it - my driving was awesome," she said.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction here

"I just didn't convert with my irons and my putter and it all came down to that. I must have been in eight divots, but no excuses. Today was not my day."

The star of the day was home favourite Matthew, who shot a blemish-free round and moved to within a stroke of the lead when Ochoa bogeyed the last.

"You would not be normal unless you were nervous, but I'm playing well so there's no reason why I can't have two more good rounds," said Matthew.

"It was a great feeling having people cheering you onto the greens. In the States you don't get the home support - and obviously it would be great to win."

Hudson built on her opening round of 70 with a 73, although she too dropped a stroke at the 18th.

American Solheim Cup player Ward moved into contention with a 70, while Sorenstam and defending champion Sherri Steinhauer will be a threat on three under.

"I'm thrilled that I'm playing well," said the 36-year-old Sorenstam, who is still recovering full fitness after suffering a ruptured and herniated disc in her back.

"I'm starting to get my natural draw back. I haven't really seen that in about 19 months and it's something you need on this course."