PATTAYA — World number three Stacy Lewis stormed into the lead at the Honda LPGA Thailand on Friday with an imperious 64, giving her a three shot margin going into the weekend over South Korea's Amy Yang.
Lewis's perfect round, marked by eight birdies, puts the American 14 under par for the tournament at the Siam Country Club in Pattaya.
She is followed by the consistent Yang who struck a round two 66 to return to the clubhouse at 11 under, with local favourite Ariya Jutanugarn leading a clutch of players on eight under.
Ariya, who experienced heartbreak in 2013 when a triple bogey on the 72nd hole pushed her into second place, shot a solid 69 to stay within striking distance of the overnight leader.
Thai amateur Budsabakorn Sukapan followed up her superb opening-day 67 with a 72 and is nine shots behind the leader.
It was a disappointing day for Taiwan's Yani Tseng shared the lead at the start of the day but dropped five shots to go round in 72 (six under) — despite an eagle on seven.
Fellow day one leader Brittany Lang eased off the pace with an error-strewn round, which came apart with a double bogey on 11 that left her on five under.
She is level with compatriot Michelle Wie who struck a superb 66 to edge back into tournament after going around in 73 on the first.
Defending champion Anna Nordqvist heads into the weekend at two under after a poor back nine undid a morning of good which saw her on course to go round in under 70.
Meanwhile, world ranked number two Inbee Park is well out off contention after making four bogeys in another disappointing day for the Korean star.