Harukyo Nomura fired a 4-under-par 67 to move within two shots of the lead after the second round of the Meijer LPGA Classic on Friday.
Starting the day in 13th place, Nomura moved into contention for her third title of the season, carding seven birdies against three bogeys at the par-71 Blythefield Country Club to share sixth place at 8-under 134.
Defending Lexi Thompson of the United States battled through back pain to card a 67 and take a one-shot lead over South Korean trio Ryu So-yeon, Q Baek, Chun In-gee and Canada's Alena Sharp.
Nomura, winner of the Women's Australian Open and Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic, made five birdies through her first 12 holes before dropping her first shot of the day at the 13th.
The 23-year-old mixed two birdies with as many bogeys down the stretch but said she was pleased to finish the day under par.
"My target was to go 5 under in each of the first two rounds so (over two rounds) I am two shots outside that but I am not in a bad position," said Nomura.
"It was up and down on the back nine but I am pleased that I went round under par. I think the winning score will be around 20 under so I will try hard."