Hye-Jin Choi survived a turbulent second round to share the lead at The Annika, joining Carlota Ciganda and Lindy Duncan atop the leaderboard in Belleair, Florida.
The South Korean carded a 3-under 67 on Friday, overcoming an opening bogey-bogey start with a dramatic 15-foot eagle putt on the seventh hole.
This result sets up a compelling weekend chase for her first LPGA Tour victory in 127 career attempts, according to “ESPN”.
Carlota Ciganda provided the most explosive round of the day, shooting a 7-under 63 fueled by birdies on her final four holes.
The Solheim Cup star noted that her putting speed was exceptional during her closing charge, per “Field Level Media”.
Lindy Duncan also remains in the hunt after posting a 66, maintaining a strong position after opening her week with a 62 that included a hole-in-one.
While the leaders surged, world number one Nelly Korda struggled to find her rhythm at Pelican Golf Club.
The American posted a bogey-free 69, but the score included 15 straight pars and just one birdie, leaving her four shots behind the leaders.
Korda, who had not competed in two months, stated that the wind played a major role in how the course played throughout the day.
“I had a lot of chances,” Korda said, noting that the greens were as fast as any Bermuda grass she has putted on throughout her career, according to “ESPN”.
Behind the leaders, the Japanese duo of Mao Saigo and Minami Katsu sit two shots back at 10-under.
Choi believes her experience playing in the marquee group with Korda over the opening two rounds has prepared her for the pressure of the weekend.
The South Korean remains focused on executing her game plan rather than worrying about the trophy, telling reporters she will simply try her best and concentrate on her game.
All three leaders will need to manage the wind and the fast putting surfaces to avoid the mistakes that plagued Korda on Friday as the tournament continues.