Golf-Prodigy Thompson in title battle at U.S. Women's Open

By Larry Fine

BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania, July 10 (Reuters) - Golf prodigy Alexis Thompson on Friday served notice she might be coming of age as the 14-year-old American amateur shot a second-round 73 to join the title chase at the U.S. Women's Open.

Thompson, who shot level-par 71 in the opening round, was on the leaderboard at two over par after the morning wave at Saucon Valley's Old Course, where sub-par rounds were at a premium.

The youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Open at age 12 in 2007, Thompson would become youngest to win an LPGA major title by more than four years if she were to triumph.

After finishing tied for 21st at this year's first major, the Kraft Nabisco, Thompson would not dismiss her chances.

"Yeah," she told reporters when asked if she thought she had as good a chance as anyone to win.

"If I have two good days coming in, for sure. Even or under. If I'm just even for the next two days would be good, and if I shoot under, that would be really good."

The 5-foot-9 (1.75 m) Floridian with a fluid, power swing, was having no trouble dealing with the 6,740-yard layout.

"I like the longer golf courses," she said.