American novice Farah O’Keefe additionally posted a bogey-free 69 to maneuver to seven underneath, placing her in a tie for third with compatriot Ryann O’Toole and South Korea’s Ina Yoon.
Korda has began the 12 months in good type having gained the season-opening Hilton Grand Holidays Match of Champions earlier than claiming three straight runner-up finishes.
She gained this occasion in 2024 at The Membership at Carlton Woods, which can also be in Houston, whereas 26-year-old Tavatanakit gained in 2021 in California, when the occasion was named the ANA Inspiration.
World quantity 66 Tavatanakit stated: “Chasing, main, no matter – I really feel like I am simply glad I’ve this chance to be within the combine.”
Her Thai compatriot Jeeno Thitikul won’t characteristic this weekend because the world primary bogeyed two of her final 5 holes to overlook the minimize by one stroke.
England’s Mimi Rhodes additionally missed out after following up Thursday’s spherical of three-under 69 with a six-over 78, carding three bogeys and a double-bogey in her final 5 holes.
