Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa shot a six-under 66 and moved into sole possession of first place with a three-stroke lead following the third round of the LPGA’s Navistar Classic on Saturday.
Defending champion Ochoa moved to 16-under 200 ahead of Germany’s Sandra Gal on The Senator Course at Capitol Hill Golf Club. Gal also fired a 66 on Saturday.
“It was a good day,” Ochoa said. “I didn’t make many birdies early. My first birdie was on hole No. 7. Once I made that, I just give myself more of a better feeling and a good rhythm.”
Alexis Thompson struggled on Saturday as the 14-year-old shot a two-over 74 and fell into a tie for 13th place at eight-under 208. She shared the second round lead with Ochoa.
Taiwan’s Yani Tseng shot a 71 and was in tied fifth place on 11-under. Fellow Taiwanese player Candie Kung also carded a 71 for a five-under total, while Teresa Lu’s 72 left her on even-par for the tournament.
Michelle Wie also shot an even-par 72 and is in a group with amateur Thompson on eight-under.
Ochoa posted a bogey-free round on Saturday and is three shots lower than her 54-hole lead last year.
She has not lost the lead going into the final round of a tournament since 2007. She has had the 54-hole lead 27 times in her LPGA career.
“I’m in a good position and tomorrow’s going to be just a new day,” Ochoa said. “I’m going to try my best to win the tournament.”
Gal had an eagle on the par-four sixth hole. She rolled in six birdies, including three straight beginning at the 13th.
“I had a really good warm up session this morning, figured something out,” Gal said. “I was hitting my balls really well. Definitely very, very pleased with my day today.”
Earlier this season, Gal recorded a career-best tie for fifth at the Corning Classic.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY STAFF WRITER
■TURNING STONE
AFP, VERONA, NEW YORK
Americans Matt Kuchar and Scott Piercy share the lead after Saturday’s third round of the PGA Turning Stone Resort Championship.
Kuchar shot a five-under 67, while Piercy had a six-under 66 on Saturday to move to 14-under 202. They are one stroke in front at the Atunyote Golf Club in Turning Stone Resort.
“Today, with these conditions, you could attack every pin,” Kuchar said. “Even if you short-sided yourself, you could place the ball in the rough, have a beautiful lie and have a pretty good chip for birdie.”
Australia’s Rod Pampling (65) and rookie Leif Olson (68) share third place at 13-under, one better than Nicholas Thompson, who had a three-under 69 on Saturday.
American Vaughn Taylor, who led after the second round, shot a one-under 71 and is tied for sixth place with Jonathan Byrd (67), Tim Petrovic (68) and Fredrik Jacobson (69). They are at 11-under 205.
On the par-five closing hole, Kuchar laid up with his second shot. He knocked his third to nine feet, but his birdie chance for sole possession of the lead went wide right. He made his par.
Kuchar is seeking his second tour win after a 2002 victory. He is 59th on the money list and has secured his card for next year.
“There is a major goal in mind and that is to make the field for the Masters next year,” said Kuchar, who needs to get into the top 30 on the final money list for an invitation to Augusta next spring.
Tour rookie Piercy is 91st on the money list.
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