TAIPEI: Park In-Bee shot a three-under 69 in windy conditions yesterday in the LPGA Taiwan Championship to increase her lead to four strokes.
Playing her first event since regaining the No.1 spot in the world from Stacy Lewis on Monday, the South Korean newlywed had an eagle, four birdies and three bogeys at Miramar to reach 21-under 195. In calm conditions the first two days, she shot 64-62 to take a three-stroke lead.
Park won the LPGA Championship in August for her second victory of the year and fifth major title. Last year, she swept the first three majors and won six times.
Second-ranked Lewis had a 64, the best round of the day, to move into a tie for second with China's Shanshan Feng. The American has a tour-high three victories this season.
Spain's Azahara Munoz was fourth at 13-under after a 69, and South Korea's Ryu So-Yeon was another stroke back after a 68. Third-ranked Lydia Ko shot 71 to fall into a tie for sixth at 11 under. The 17-year-old New Zealander won the Swinging Skirts World Ladies Masters in December at Miramar.
Michelle Wie had a 72 to drop into a tie for 27th at six-under. Norway's Suzann Pettersen, the winner the last two years at Sunrise, was another stroke back after a 74.