LINGSHUI, China: Top-ranked Lilia Vu withdrew from the Blue Bay LPGA in China before the second round on Friday, opening the door for Celine Boutier to become world number one.

Boutier will become the first golfer from France, man or woman, to be ranked number one if she finishes solo third or better on Sunday at the Jian Lake Blue Bay course on Hainan Island.

"Lilia Vu has withdrawn from the Blue Bay LPGA before the second round due to injury," the LPGA Tour said, without elaborating.

World number three Boutier has ground to make up to finish in the top three. She was eight shots off the pace going into Friday's second round after an opening one-over 73.

Australia's Minjee Lee led overnight after a seven-under 65 in the $2.2 million event that concludes a three-tournament Asian swing.

Boutier, 30, who won her first major last season at the Evian Championship in her native France, was second last week at the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore, a shot behind winner Hannah Green of Australia.

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