The Aussie pair both fired two-under 70s, along with American world No.2 Nelly Korda and Perrine Delacour of France, to trail Japanese leader Yuka Saso (66).
Linn Grant is second after an afternoon 67, while former world No.1 and 2019 tournament champion Jin Young Ko is in a group of six players at three-under.
Saso had a big second nine on Thursday. Even-par at the turn at tree-lined – and mosquito-infested –Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, the 22-year-old who won the 2021 U.S Women’s Open for her lone LPGA Tour title birdied holes 1-4 plus 6 and 7.
“I don’t know what happened the back nine,” she said.
“I started hitting some good second shots and having short putts for birdies, giving myself a lot of chances.”
Defending champion Paula Reto of South Africa shot 78, as did Sydneysider Steph Kyriacou.
“I managed to kind of find something….
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