By Kirsty Wrice

A birdie on the final hole may have kept Becky Kay’s major dreams alive.

The Queenslander dropped to one under for the week following horrific conditions during round two of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific today, but a lone birdie on the 18th hole breathed life back into the 20-year-old.

Mother nature caused havoc during Friday’s play at The Royal Golf Club, Japan, with extreme weather taking its toll on the 79-woman field.

But the six-woman Australian team remain in high spirits with all players surviving the cut to make the weekend.

Holding the overnight lead after a course-record round of 64 yesterday, Kay quickly forgave the top spot with five bogies in her opening nine, followed by a double bogey on 16.

Despite leaving a few shots left begging, the Coolangatta Tweed Heads member only dropped one spot on the leaderboard, two shots behind 2019 Australian Women’s Amateur champion Yae Eun (Amy) Hong.

But the ever-beaming Gold Coaster is primed for a strong weekend showing.

“Having 7-over, and still being in the mix, I'm not disappointed. I tried my best,” said Kay.

“I never gave up and I tried to stay warm, which wasn't very possible, but I did my best.

“It was a bit of a struggle. I've played in a lot of cold places and today was something else. I've never been so cold in my life, and the wind was unbelievably strong.”

Defending champion Atthaya Thitikul rounds out the leading group sharing second place at one under.

NSW pair Grace Kim and Steph Kyriacou are the next best of the Australian contingent in a share of 20th.

Two shots back is Doey Choi, followed by Juliennee Soo a further two behind in a share of 42nd at the halfway mark.

West Australian Maddison Hinson-Tolchard secured the last spot in the weekend line up in a tie of 47th.

Catch the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship live on Fox Sports Australia from 12-4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Leaderboard.