Second-ranked Shin Ji-yai shot a three-under 70 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead over Sandra Gal after the third round of the Kia Classic.
Taiwan’s Yani Tseng carded a 72 for a three-under 216 total, while compatriots Amy Hung shot a 76 for a one-over total of 220 and Candie Kung had a 75, for a four-over 223.
Shin, the South Korean star who has eight LPGA Tour victories, had a 15-under 204 total on the Industry Hills Golf Club course at Pacific Palms. Gal, from Germany, also shot a 70.
“I think the course is a good match with me,” Shin said. “I can’t wait. Maybe it will be a really great day. I think so.”
South Korea’s Choi Na-yeon was third after a 65, the best score of the round.
“I changed my putt after the second round,” Choi said. “My putter was cold. I couldn’t make it the last two days, so I changed the putter. I felt really good.”
Michelle Wie shot a 71, leaving her in a tie for eighth at five--under. Returning after finishing exams at Stanford, Wie had five birdies and three bogeys in the round.
“I’ve really got to shoot light out,” Wie said about her chances in the final round. “I’ve got to make a lot of birdies and make no mistakes.”
Gal returned to the course early to finish the final nine holes of the rain-delayed second round. She shot a 68 in the round to begin the third a stroke behind Shin.
“I know it was 27 holes, but to be honest I thought it was to my advantage to come out early and get a feel for the course and the conditions,” Gal said. “So, I didn’t quite mind it.”
In the third round, Gal birdied the first hole to tie for the lead, then pulled ahead on No. 2 when Shin made only her third bogey of the tournament.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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