Ayako Uehara moved into title contention on Saturday after a 5-under-par 67 gave her a share of third place going into the final round of the Kia Classic.
Uehara started the day tied for 15th, but she climbed up the leaderboard with five birdies in a bogey-free round at Aviara Golf Club to share third with Sweden's Anna Nordqvist, American Dori Carter and China's Feng Shanshan at 8-under 208.
Americans Lizette Salas and Cristie Kerr shared the lead at 10 under.
"I am pleased I was able to go around without making any bogeys," said Uehara. "I made lots of good putts and my shots were good too.
"I want to have a good round on the final day and keep my mind on top (of the leaderboard)."