Their absence made room in the field for Ayako Uehara, but the Japanese could only muster a two-over-par 74 to sit well off the pace set by the lead American pair who both carded seven-under 65s.
Uehara's playing partner Kim Ha-neul was among a quartet of South Koreans, along with Jenny Shin, Lee Ill-hee and Jeon Mi-jeong, who shared third after 66s, while world number three Stacy Lewis was a further shot back on five-under.
American Michelle Wie, struck down with food poisoning in Japan, looked on course for a competitive score as she reached four-under through 10 holes only for a double bogey six on 15 to halt her charge. She eventually signed for a two-under 70 and a share of 32nd.
The $1.5 million 54-hole no cut tournament at Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club in Shima is the last of the LPGA's five-leg Asian swing.
The women's circuit heads to Mexico next week for the Lorena Ochoa Invitational followed by the season-ending Tour Championship in Florida.
(Writing by Patrick Johnston in Singapore; Editing by John O'Brien)
Share
