Japan's Haru Nomura shot a six-under 65 on Friday to stand alone on top of the North Texas LPGA Shootout leaderboard midway through the competition.
Her second round blitz gave her a total of 133 for a one-shot lead over Ariya Jutanugarn, who shot 67, with Suzann Pettersen a shot further behind.
Moriya Jutanugarn, Ariya's older sister, is fourth on 136 along with two-time tournament winner Inbee Park and Marina Alex.
There was disappointment for Australia's Katherine Kirk after her heroics in the opening round saw her tied for second.
Kirk, who enjoyed a hole-in-one on Thursday, could only muster a 73 for a total of 140, to sit alongside Sarah Jane Smith. Both are seven shots off the pace and in a tie for 21st.
The best of the Australian contingent is Minjee Lee, who is five shots back after shooting a 70 and tied 11th.
Nomura's best finish of the season is a tie for third at the opening Women's Australian Open. She has two career wins in seven seasons on the tour.
Lexi Thompson, playing in her first tournament since a rules violation cost her a likely victory in the season's first major three weeks ago, shot a 72 after birdieing three of the first five holes. She is nine shots behind at 142.
Ariya Jutanugarn has yet to win this season after claiming five titles in 2016 and being named player of the year.
Moriya Jutanugarn, who is 16 months older than Ariya, aced the 135-yard 13th. Her best career result is a fourth-place finish at the 2013 Women's Australian Open.
But the day belonged to Dori Carter who shot eight-under 63 to break the tournament record by a shot.
Carter, winless in seven seasons on tour, eagled the par-5 3rd hole with a sand wedge from about 70 yards.
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