Aiming at her second LPGA crown this season, the world number five fired eight birdies with no bogeys at the par-72 Seta Golf Club in Shiga, improving to 13-under 131.

Lee, who was tied for fifth in the first round, displayed a steady performance with precision shots, while first-round leader Ryu So-yeon sank to be tied for 13th with three bogeys.

“I had no bogeys today and so obviously, (a) no-bogey round is always a solid round,” Lee said afterwards.

Asked about her strategy on the final day, she said she would “play smart and aggressive at the same time”.

Local favourite Sakura Koiwai shot seven birdies with a bogey for a 66 followed by compatriot Nasa Hataoka and Shin Jiyai of South Korea one stroke back.

“I’m surprised as I never thought of this result,” Koiwai said.

“Since tomorrow is the final day, I want to concentrate on the game hit by hit so that I can have no regret,” she said.

China’s Feng Shanshan, the two-time defending champion, shot 71 to be tied for 22nd, while newly-crowned world number one Ariya Jutanugarn was tied for 25th after also carding a 71.