Lydia Ko has delivered a clear message to her LPGA rivals on Friday.
She's having fun again and she's ready to start winning again.
The 20-year-old New Zealander shot an eight-under 64 and grabbed a share of the lead with Lexi Thompson at 15-under with a round left in the Indy Women in Tech Championship.
With the LPGA event at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course being a three-round tournament, the chase for birdies was on in earnest with Australia's contingent headed by Minjee Lee.
The world No.19 carded a six-under 66 to be tied seventh at nine under.
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Sarah Jane Smith (69) is next best at four under with Su Oh (67), Sarah Kemp (74) and Katherine Kirk (74) making the cut on the number at two under.
Winless since July 2016, world No.8 Ko had five straight birdies in the middle of her closing nine before bogeying the eighth hole.
"I know I've still got a whole, full 18 holes tomorrow to go, but I think really the key was that I've just kind of enjoyed being in this position and being able to hit some good shots and give myself some good looks at birdie," Ko said.
World No.3 Thompson followed her first-round 63 with a 66, scrambling for par on the final two holes to match Ko at 15-under.
"Actually, I didn't hit one bad golf shot today," 22-year-old Thompson said.
"I feel great about it, I'll never complain about a 6-under round."
Candie Kung was a stroke back after a 64 with South African Ashleigh Buhai (66) fourth at 11-under.
Americans Cristie Kerr and Amy Olson were tied fifth at 10-under.
