Candie Kung, coming off her second LPGA Tour win of the year, shot an 8-under 64 on Thursday and took a two-shot lead in the first round of the State Farm Classic.
Kung had six birdies, including a 30-foot birdie putt on 18, and an eagle in matching her low round of the season.
Han Hee-won, a two-time winner this year, shot a 66.
Kung has quickly turned into a serious contender in her second season on the tour. She won her second tournament of the season last week at the Wachovia Classic by two strokes over Pak Se-ri and Meg Mallon.
She put fears of a letdown to rest Thursday, despite a sluggish start.
"I was actually a little tired this morning. On the first hole, I was almost falling asleep," Kung said. "But I just kept myself in there playing hole by hole and ended up at 8 under, and I'm happy with that."
Kung and a host of players took advantage of calm conditions in the morning rounds at the US$1.2 million Classic, and the par-72 Rail Golf Course's wide fairways and soft greens.
Han, fifth on the LPGA money list this year, missed the cut in the previous two State Farm Classics. She made the turn at even par Thursday, then had five straight birdies on the back nine, including a 25-foot putt on 17.
Kung said she missed opportunities to go lower, making six of 11 putts of 15 feet or less. She hopes the weakest part of her game will continue to improve on the Rail's large, undulating greens.
"If I want to win the tournament, I probably need more of that going in," Kung said.
The tournament's last six winners here won for the first time on tour. Defending champion Patricia Meunier-Lebouc is not playing because of a pregnancy-related illness.
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