(Palos Verdes Estates) Ruoning Yin scored 67 (under 4) to give himself a two-shot lead at the top of the Los Angeles Open standings on Saturday.
The 20-year-old Chinese had four birdies in as many holes on the back nine of the course at Palos Verdes Golf Club.
Yin, who is 14 minus after three rounds, is chasing her first career LPGA Tour title.
Hyo Joo Kim, who was tied for the top with Yin after two rounds, shot 69 and sits alone in second place.
Georgia Hall is third at 10 minus after posting a career-high 62 and a tournament record. The Englishwoman is coming back from an overtime defeat at the hands of Céline Boutier.
Hall went 29 on the front nine thanks to two eagles and three birdies. She added two birdies on the back nine.
Nasa Hataoka (66), defending tournament champion Danielle Kang (65), Atthaya Thitikul (66) and Perrine Delacour (67) tied for fourth place, at 9 under.
Quebecer Maude-Aimée Leblanc (71) is still in the hunt for the title as she is tied for eighth with Megan Khang (70), at 8 minus.