Yu Liu posted the best round of her entire golf career, a 9-under, 63 on Friday at Thornberry Creek to takeover the lead after the morning wave of round two at 12-under.
"It doesn't feel too dramatic actually," said an understated Liu. "I wasn't hitting it too spectacular, but I was rolling a lot of putts in. So that was the major difference today than yesterday."
Liu made an eagle on the reachable par-5 third and added seven birdies. She turned in a 3-under, 69 on day one.
Liu said the calmer conditions in the morning and the freshly mowed greens made a big difference.
The rookie is positioned better than any other tournament this year for a run at her first win on the LPGA. Her best finish is a third place result at the shortened VOA LPGA Texas Classic.
Amy Yang, a three-time LPGA winner, posted a 6-under, 66 to get to 11-under while Emma Talley carded a 4-under to match Yang.
"Bogey at the last was kind of disappointing, but I played really well today," said Talley, who was on 59 watch on the back nine on Thursday. "Actually felt like I played better today than I did yesterday. My driver was much better. I missed a couple putts, but the back nine treated me well."
Talley, who has two top 10 finishes this season as a rookie, will go for her first win.
Brittany Altomare carded a 66 to get to 10-under as did Chella Choi.
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