Defending champion Lydia Ko has made a lacklustre start to her title defence at the LPGA Tour event in Carlsbad, California, carding a 74.
American duo Christie Kerr and Mo Martin lead the tournament at six-under, alongside Korean In Gee Chun.
They are two strokes clear of five relatively unheralded golfers on four-under.
Sarah Jane Smith is the best-plaed Aussie in a tie for 38th after a one-under 71 with Su Oh a shot futher back in a tie for 52nd.
Veteran Aussie Karrie Webb is one-over after shooting a 73 while Minjee Lee is battling to make it to the weekend after a four-over 76.
Ko shares 81st place at the Kia Classic at two-over, leaving her eight shots off the pace and in danger of missing the cut.
The 19-year-old struggled with her approach play while her putting was also askew as she carded five bogeys. Birdies on Ko's last two holes of the day were much needed.
The world No.1's reign at the top of the rankings is under threat this week from Thai Ariya Jutanugarn, who also struggled on the opening day to be level Ko.
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