SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Sherri Steinhauer shot a 6-under 66 on Friday to top the LPGA State Farm Classic leaderboard for the second straight day, while defending champion Annika Sorenstam had a 65 to pull within three strokes.

Steinhauer, who earned a spot on her fourth U.S. Solheim Cup team this year, had seven birdies and just one bogey Friday to get to 11-under 133 at the halfway point of the four-day tournament at Panther Creek Country Club.

Christina Kim was two strokes back after a 66.

Sorenstam, defending the last of her 69 career LPGA Tour titles, had the low round of the day to move into third place at 8 under. The 36-year-old Swede eagled the par-five 16th and also had seven birdies to offset two bogeys.

Steinhauer is bidding for her first win since the 2006 Women’s British Open. The 44-year-old player has seven career titles, including two majors.

Sorenstam came from behind to win last year’s State Farm Classic as it ended a 31-year run at The Rail Golf Club in nearby Sherman. Sorenstam closed with a 10-under 62 to match the lowest final-round score by a tournament winner in tour history.

AP-ES-08-31-07 1939EDT