The 2020 US Women’s Open champion fired a seven-under-par 65 to become the new front runner on eight-under-par at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Texas.

There were still another 31 players left to complete their round before darkness descended on the course, forcing officials to delay their finish until tomorrow.

The start of the second-round was delayed by two hours because of heavy overnight rain before Kim hit her opening tee shot.

Kim started with a bogey before responding by hitting eight birdies, including four in the first nine holes, in a stunning round.

Her last two birdies came in the final two holes as she moved in front.

"Houston really great city and great feel," said Kim.

"Honestly, really, I don't know [why I play so well here].

"[It’s] fantastic."

Playing in the first group off the back tees, Kim and her playing partners still could feel the darkness creeping in as they finished up their round.

They were one of 11 groups in the afternoon wave to finish, with 11 more still to go.  

American Megan Khang, who finished just moments before the horn blew to suspend play, was another late chaser, shooting a five-under-par 67.

She sits in tied second and on seven-under-par overall alongside fellow American Lilia Vu who scored a three-under-par 69.

Major champions Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand and Nelly Korda of the United States are level for fourth at six-under-par and just behind them are four golfers at tied sixth, three of which did not finish their second-round.