South Korean Lee Somi leads on 64 strokes, two strokes better than American Allisen Corpuz and another stroke ahead of a quartet of players.
Behind her is Madelene Sagström in a tie for seventh place after -4 in the opening round. The Swede finished with three straight birdies for a total of 68 strokes.
Ingrid Lindblad was four strokes under par after eight holes, but had to settle for -1 for the day after three straight bogeys on the last nine holes. Maja Stark came in at 70 strokes (-2).
Linn Grant won the LPGA Tour event last week, but things got tougher this time. Grant shot 72 strokes (par) and is tied for 44th.
All 60 players in the tour finals will play all four rounds.
