South Korean Lee Mi-rim maintained her lead at the Kia Classic for the third successive day after a six-under 66 gave her a one-stroke edge on Saturday heading into the final round in southern California.
Lee entered the third round tied with Morgan Pressel, but blew past her with a sizzling five birdies on the back nine to push her to 16-under at the Aviara course in Carlsbad.
The 24-year-old won twice in her rookie season on the LPGA circuit last year, but is looking for her first title this year.
“To be honest, I didn’t even know what I shot until I signed my scorecard,” Lee told reporters. “I feel like I’ve had a lot of experience and played in a lot of tournaments to know that I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself.”
American Alison Lee also fired a six-under with birdies on her final two holes to get to 15-under and outright second.
American Pressel faded after an even-par round that kept her at 10-under, while compatriot Cristie Kerr is one of two contenders at 13-under after a bogey on her final hole dropped her three behind.
A group of four players sit at 12-under, including world No. 1 Lydia Ko and major champions Paula Creamer and Pak Se-ri.
Taiwan’s Candie Kung was tied for 23rd place on six-under after carding a 70. Former world No. 1 Yani Tseng was tied for 59th place on two-under after a 72, while fellow Taiwanese Hsu Wei-ling was a shot further back after carding a 73.
New Zealand’s Ko enjoyed her 27th successive LPGA Tour round under-par, which is two short of Annika Sorenstam’s record set in 2004.
The South Korean-born 17-year-old had victories this year at the Australian and New Zealand Opens.
On a day of low scoring, five-time major champion Pak owned the best round of the day with a course record-tying eight-under 64.
“No question about it, it’s very fun to play like that,” Pak said.
Lexi Thompson shot 65 to move to 11-under.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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