China's Simin Feng and South Korea's Julie Yang shared the second-round lead at nine under par on Thursday in the LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament.
Feng had a 2-under 70 on LPGA International's Hills Course, and Yang shot a 69 on the Jones Course.
The top 20 finishers Sunday will earn full LPGA Tour cards, and Nos. 21-45 and ties will receive conditional status.
"It's a marathon, not a sprint, but I'm happy with how I've played so far," Yang said.
"My only bogey of the day came on the last hole so it was a good day."
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She tied for 21st in the event last season.
American Christine Song was third at eight under after a 71 on the Hills Course while Cydney Clanton was another stroke back.
Canada's Maude-Aimee LeBlanc and Thailand's Benyapa Niphatsophon were tied for fifth at six under.
LeBlanc had a 67 on the Hills Course, the best round of the day.
"Everything seemed to be working today," LeBlanc said. "I didn't make any putts on the front nine, but I made five birdies on the back and no bogeys so it was just a solid round."
Niphatsophon shot a 70 on the Jones Course.
Cheyenne Woods, Tiger Woods' niece, had a 69 on the Hills Course to top the group at 4 under. Mexican amateur Gaby Lopez also was 4 under after a 72 on the Hills Course.
She tied for 11th last year.
