Playing on home soil, the Mexican shares the lead with South Korea’s Song-Hee Kim, who recorded six birdies in an eight-hole stretch to pull into contention.

“Playing here in my country is extra special,” Ochoa said.

“I like it here very much, it’s much easier than Mexico City. It looks like tomorrow we’ll have a great group and more spectators on Friday afternoon.

“I’m ready for it. I can’t wait to get the feel of the big crowd and hopefully play good for all of them.”

The 2006 champion here, Ochoa started on the back nine and overcame her lone blemish – a bogey on 14 – to finish with eagles on the fifth and the eighth.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done that before, two eagles in nine holes,” Ochoa said.

“It will be something that I’ll remember for a long time.”

South Korea’s Hee Young Park, who experienced a roller-coaster round by carding eight birdies and four bogeys to finish at four-under 69, is one of six golfers who trail the leaders by three strokes.

Also included in that group is Carin Koch, the event’s inaugural champion in 2005.

“I’d like to win anywhere. I’m just so thrilled that I’m playing better golf again,” Koch said. “I’ve had a couple years of struggles and it would mean a lot to be up there.

“To me right now, it means a lot to play a few rounds of really solid golf in the last few weeks, hitting fairways and greens. I haven’t done that much the last couple of years.

“I’m thrilled with that and I know the other stuff will come.”

Ochoa has won three of the four LPGA Tour events she has entered this season, including the last two. She last won three straight events in August.

“I’m playing my best golf right now because of experience and because I feel comfortable in this position,” Ochoa said. “Hopefully, I’ll improve every year.”