Ireland's Rebecca Coakley hit 69 to go joint fourth at the Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open.
Frances Bondad is leading in China and overcame an early bogey to shoot an opening 67 and take a one-stroke lead.
The Australian three-putted the fifth but bounced back with six birdies to finish one ahead of Nontaya Srisawang and Christel Boeljon on five under par at Suzhou Taihu International GC.
‘It was very steady. I hit every single fairway and I made a lot of putts,’ said the 22-year-old, who is searching for her first Ladies European Tour victory.
Thailand's Nontaya collected five birdies along with just one bogey - also at the fifth - to end the day four under alongside Boeljon.
The Dutch 23-year-old fired six birdies, including three in a row from the first, but two bogeys set her back.
‘I hit two bad shots and that resulted in two bogeys but other than that it was pretty solid. I just stuck to my game plan,’ said Boeljon.
Compatriot Dewi-Claire Schreefel was tied for fourth alongside Coakley and Vikki Laing from Scotland on three under par after the trio each carded 69s.
