Japan's Nasa Hataoka shot herself into a two-way tie for the lead at the Pure Silk Championship after carding a 6-under-par 65 in the third round on Saturday.

Hataoka reeled off five birdies in the first 12 holes at Kingsmill Resort before bogeying the par-4 14th, but quickly recovered with an eagle on the par-5 15th to land at 13-under alongside England's Bronte Law.

"I played without making any big mistakes," said Hataoka. "It was very good being able to get off to attack the course on the front nine. I hit my approach (on the 15th) just like I planned."

(Nasa Hataoka)

The 20-year-old is seeking her fourth title on the LPGA Tour and first win since the Kia Classic in March. In last year's weather-shortened tournament at Kingsmill Resort, Hataoka was tied for the lead at the end of the third round but was unable to overcome the eventual winner, Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn, in a two-hole playoff.

Canadian Brooke Henderson and American Jennifer Song are one stroke behind the leaders in third place.

Japan's Harukyo Nomura, who entered the third round three strokes off the pace, fell to 14th and remains at 6-under after shooting an even-par 71.

"I'm settling down. I made one big mistake (today) but it was good to end at even par," said Nomura, whose double bogey on the 13th and bogey on the 16th canceled out three birdies.

Of the other Japanese, Sakura Yokomine is at 1-under in 58th, while Suzuka Yamaguchi is at 2-over in 71st.

(Harukyo Nomura)