Thitikul's day included eight birdies and an eagle as she reached 14-under, overhauling joint overnight leader Yuka Saso (65) who is second, a shot clear of American Lilia Vu (65).

“Actually was like blank. I think my mind of blank and just nothing there. Just hit a shot, just tap it in, putt it in. Just like totally blank,” Thitikul said. “You know, like I think when I play really good golf or shoot like really low score my mindset is like blank. It's really good to keep that blank mind for tomorrow.”

Young Australian Karis Davidson continued to impress, shooting a 66 to be tied 27th and seven shots behind Thitikul while Steph Kyriacou (70) just scraped through the cut at four-under.

But the low-scoring 54-hole tournament has otherwise been tough for the Australian contingent with World No.3 Minjee Lee, Sarah Kemp and Su Oh all missing the cut.

Nine golfers are tied for fourth, four shots behind the leader.

That group comprises South Korea's Chella Choi (63), Hye-Jin Choi (65) and Jeongeun Lee5 (68) as well as Danielle Kang (65), Jennifer Kupcho (65), China's Muni He (66), England's Charley Hull (66), Megan Khang (68) and Ryann O'Toole (68).