KAHUKU — Lorena Ochoa knew that the conditions were ideal for low scores in yesterday's second round of the SBS Open.

After an opening-round 74, the role model for junior golfers in her native Mexico told herself she needed to catch up and make a lot of birdies.

Ochoa put together seven birdies in shooting a tournament-record 65 to move from 67th place into a five-way tie for seventh, four strokes behind the leaders, going into today's final round at the Turtle Bay Resort's Palmer Course.

"I didn't think it would be a tournament record," said Ochoa, whose LPGA career low is a 63 in last year's Takefuji Classic in Las Vegas.

South Korea's Joo Mi Kim matched Ochoa's 65 to gain a three-way tie for the lead with Sung Ah Yim, also of South Korea, and Becky Iverson at 9-under 135.

For Ochoa, the nine-shot improvement between rounds was the result of hitting 17 out of 18 greens in regulation, leading to six fewer putts and no three-putts.

Starting her fourth year on the LPGA Tour, Ochoa, 24, became the fastest to reach $3 million in earnings.

"I feel very lucky, very fortunate to be out here. I turned pro because I thought I was at a good level to be able to compete with the top players," she said.

"I think I came out at the right time and I feel comfortable out here. So it's a good combination."

Ochoa had a record-setting amateur career that included 12 victories at the University of Arizona, 10 in her sophomore year.

Ochoa gets to go home to Mexico after next week's Fields Open in Hawai'i at the Ko Olina Resort. The next LPGA stop will be the MasterCard Classic near Mexico City.

It was because of Ochoa's impact on the sport that the tour held its first tournament there last year.

The reception exceeded Ochoa's expectations.

"At the 18th green with all the people, it sounded like a soccer match," said Ochoa, adding that the cheering is nothing like any gallery in the states.

She felt disappointed she couldn't win for the fans and for her parents.

"I obviously want to win for the fans, for all the support I received. I will do my best to try to bring the trophy home. I think this year will be easier. I will be more relaxed and be able to enjoy it."

No matter what happens, Ochoa will always be Mexico's role model.

"I don't know the numbers, but it's just amazing. Every time I go home I see so many young kids playing (golf). I used to play with boys. There were only a few girls. Now there are more girls," Ochoa said.