THREE-TIME Major champion Chun In-gee leads the AIG Women’s Open at the halfway stage – but North Berwick’s Catriona Matthew is out of contention after missing the cut.

After two days of play on Scotland’s Golf Coast, the South Korean golfer is one shot clear at eight-under as she looks to win her first Women’s Open.

Her closest challengers following the conclusion of Friday’s play are Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom and Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa, who are one shot back at seven-under, while Chun’s compatriot Inbee Park is fourth on six-under.

Only two Scots remain in the competition: Louise Duncan, who is tied-17th on two-under; and Gemma Dryburgh, who is two-over and tied for 49th.

But home favourite Matthew, who won the Women’s Open in 2009, was four shots off making the cut, finishing on seven-over to end her hopes.

Play resumes at Muirfield on Saturday, before concluding on Sunday.