Miyu Yamashita took advantage of a comfortable pairing with compatriot Rio Takeda and calmer conditions to shoot a sparkling 7-under 65 and vault to a three-stroke lead at Royal Porthcawl. Takeda, a rookie who has already won twice on the LPGA, sits in solo second, three shots back.

After 18 holes, things are starting to take shape but the pressure is on those battling to make the 36-hole cut.