Saso has carded a second consecutive eight-under-par 64 at the Kapolei Golf Club in Hawaii.
The 19-year-old holds a two-shot buffer from New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, who recorded the best score of the tournament on Friday, a nine-under 63.
Spain’s Luna Sobron Galmes, South Koreans Hyo Joo Kim and So Yeon Ryu, and American Nelly Korda share third place at 11 under.
They’re all chasing Saso, who is eyeing for her first victory on the LPGA Tour after firing nine birdies on Friday, including four in a row around the turn.
“Two more days, I’m trying to get used to it.”
– Yuka Saso
“Two more days, I’m trying to get used to it,” Saso said.
“I made some good putts, had good up and downs, my driving was very consistent today.”
The 23-year-old Ko, already with 15 LPGA Tour titles including two majors, hasn’t won since April 2018.
“I just continuously gave myself opportunities,” Ko said.
“It’s a course where some players can go really low, so I feel like I was able to do a pretty good job at that.”
© Golf Australia. All rights reserved.