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Hjorth hits lead in Illinois

Maria Hjorth hits her approach shot on the 13th hole during the third round of the State Farm Classic at the Rail Golf Club in Springfield, Illinois, on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP

Sweden's Maria Hjorth, seeking her first LPGA victory since 1999, claimed a one-shot lead in the State Farm Classic after Saturday's third round.

Hjorth started the day tied for the lead with American Cristie Kerr and signed for a two-under-par 70.

That gave her a 54-hole total of 14-under 202, one shot ahead of South Koreans Lee Seon-Hwa and Chung Il-Mi, while Kerr posted a 72 for 204.

Hjorth's round included four birdies and a brace of bogeys.

"I played solid and I'm happy with my round today," Hjorth said. "I have been waiting to hit good drives, and today I hit a lot of good drives."

"My driver was not good but I hit the fairway a lot and my irons were pretty good," said Lee, who carded a 69 while compatriot Chung followed up a season-low 66 with a 70. "Today I was calm and I feel a lot of confidence."

Hjorth is seeking the third win of her career on the LPGA Tour. But both of her previous titles came back in 1999.
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