Ryu Hae-ran is on course to become just the fifth woman to win three consecutive majors after taking the lead of the British Open at the halfway stage on Friday.
The South Korean was three over par through the opening five holes of her second round at Royal Lytham and St Annes.
But the winner of the PGA Championship and Evian Championship in the past two months bounced back with five birdies to card a two-under-par 69 to move to seven under for the tournament.
"I'm just trying to have fun on the course because this course provides a lot of stress through the bunkers and the greens are tough," said Ryu.
Japan's Shiho Kuwaki is one shot back in second after overnight leader Jeeno Thitikul dropped back.
Thitikul, the world number two, was two over for the day to slip into a share of third on five under par.
World number one Nelly Korda kept alive her quest for a third major of the year after a disappointing Thursday with a 68 to move to one under for the tournament.
"You never know what's going to happen. It's links golf," said the American.
"I'm just going to try to have the same attitude I had today going into the weekend."
The 2026 season is the first in golf history in which two players, male or female, have won multiple majors.
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