China's Simin Feng eagled the par-5 18th hole on Friday to take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament.
The 20-year-old Feng shot a three-under 69 on LPGA International's Jones Course to reach 12-under 204 in Florida.
The top 20 finishers on Sunday will earn full LPGA Tour cards, and the top 21-45 and ties will receive conditional status.
"It feels great to be in the lead but there's still two more days to go and many more holes to come so I just have to keep going," Feng said.
Feng played on season at Vanderbilt before turning professional last year.
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She tied for sixth in the event last season to earn an LPGA Tour card.
Cydney Clanton was second after a 69 on the Jones Course.
South Korea's Julie Yang was another stroke back after a 72 on the Hills Course.
Grace Na and Thailand's Budsabakorn Sukapan were tied for fifth at eight under.
The 18-year-old Sukapan also eagled the final hole on the Jones Course for a 67.
Na had a 69, also on the Jones Course.
Cheyenne Woods, Tiger Woods' niece, had a 72 on the Jones Course to drop from a tie for ninth into a tie for 16th at four under.
