Shanshan Feng shot an eight-under-par round of 64 on Saturday to take the LPGA Japan Classic lead, putting the Chinese player in position to close the Asian swing with consecutive victories.
Feng birdied the final two holes for a one-stroke advantage over Ariya Jutanugarn, the 20-year-old Thai star who leads the LPGA Tour with five victories. Jutanugarn had a 68 on another chilly day at Taiheiyo Club in the tour's first tournament in the Tokyo area since 1991.
Minjee Lee is the best-placed Australian and is in a tie for 12th after a second successive round of 69. Karie Webb is one shot back at five-under-par following her second round score of 68.
Feng won last week in steamy conditions in Malaysia for her fifth LPGA Tour victory. She has finished no worse than a tie for fourth in her past six events.
Jutanugarn has a 13-point lead over Lydia Ko in the player of the year standings. New Zealand's Ko was tied for 52nd at one-over-par after a 71 on Saturday.
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Suzann Pettersen (66) and Soo-Yun Kang (69) were third at nine-under-par after two rounds on the pine tree-lined Minori Course.
