Korda took the lead despite hot and humid conditions at Mission Hills Country Club in the Californian city. 

The 22-year-old tops the standing after a six-under-66, with South Korea's Chun In-gee and Sweden's Madelene Sagström one shot behind. 

"For me, there's still three more days to play," Korda said, as reported by Sky Sports.

"There's so much golf out there. 

"You never know what's going to happen and if I just string together another couple good rounds, then we'll see where it goes."

The world number three, Korda's best previous finish at a major is tied third.

A group of five players sit two shots off the pace, including American world number two Danielle Kang and Canada's Brooke Henderson.

Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen, China's Yu Liu and Kelly Tan of Malaysia are also among the the group. 

England's Georgia Hall, the 2018 Women's Open champion, is one of ten players under-three.

The ANA Inspiration, part of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour and delayed from its usual April date due to the coronavirus pandemic, is set to continue tomorrow.   

It is the second women's major of the year.