World number 10 Sei Young Kim of South Korea carded a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 on Friday and took a one-shot lead after two rounds at the JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, California.
Kim sits at 14-under 130 at El Caballero Country Club, just ahead of first-round leader Chizzy Iwai of Japan.
Coming off a course-record-tying 63 on Thursday, Iwai carded a 68 on Friday, leaving her at 13 under.
South Korea's Ina Yoon holds third place at 12 under following a 64.
None of the Irish contingent made the cut of two under with Leona Maguire (even), Stephanie Meadow (+1) and Lauren Walsh (+5) all missing out on the weekend action.
Tied for fourth at nine under are Melanie Green and South Korea's Jin Hee Im, who each shot 68 on Friday, and Jessica Porvasnik, who logged a 69.
Jenny Bae (second-round 68), Japan's Minami Katsu (69), Australia's Hannah Green (69) and Thailand's Suvichaya Vinijchaitham (71) are level at eight under, tied for seventh.
Kim birdied two of the first three holes and was two under at the turn. She then reeled off five birdies in a seven-hole span on the back nine.
"Little less windy today, because yesterday (it was a) very dry golf condition because (I started in the) afternoon," Kim said.
"So today ... I can attack to the pin more than yesterday."
Kim has 13 career LPGA victories, but just one in the past six years, at the BMW Ladies Championship last October.
