Lee, who was three shots behind Harigae at the conclusion of day one at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, finished with a 66 today and a score of five-under par, moving onto nine-under overall.

It was a mixed day for Harigae who made five birdies, but also conceded three bogeys, including one in her opening hole.

A late birdie on the 17th put her back level with Lee, with the pair two shots ahead of Choi Hye-jin of South Korea and Anna Nordqvist from Sweden.

Choi, who finished runner-up to compatriot Park Sung-hyun at the 2017 edition of the tournament, posted the best round of the day at seven-under, with half of her holes being birdies and two being bogeys.

It moved her from par yesterday up into contention.

Joining her on seven-under is Nordqvist, a three-time major winner, who had a score on the day of three-under par.

World number one Ko Jin-young of South Korea is a shot behind them in joint fifth, finishing today with a score of four-under to move onto six-under overall.

Her card today included an eagle on the 15th.

Amateur Swedish golfer Ingrid Lindblad could not keep in touch with the leaders after an impressive score of 65 yesterday - instead finishing for par in round two with 71.

South Korean Kim Sei-young and Moriya Jutanugarn of Thailand are on five-under.

A new champion will be crowned after Japan's Yuka Saso failed to make the cut on nine-over par, meaning her defence is over.