Pattaya: World No.3 Stacy Lewis yesterday struggled with a one-over-par 73 in the third round but remained leader at the ninth Honda LPGA Thailand.
The 30-year-old American, who had a three-shot advantage after two rounds, made an eagle, two birdies and five bogeys as her lead was reduced to one stroke on 203.
Amy Yang, who is bidding to become the third South Korean winner in the first four LPGA events of the year, was one stroke behind on 204 after a 71.
Germany’s Sandra Gal shot a 68 to stay third on 205 while South Koreans Jenny Shin (70) and Lee Mi-Rim (70) were tied for fourth on 206.
Stacy Lewis during the third round at Siam Country Club.photos: Chanat Katanyu
Former world No.1 Tseng Yani made four birdies and two bogeys for a 70 and a 208 total.
The Thai players in the field are virtually out of contention.
The best local scorer was amateur Paphangkorn Tavatanakit, who made a 69 to stay joint 15th on 211, one shot ahead of another Thai amateur Budsabakorn Sukapan, who carded a 73.
Lewis, who is seeking her 12th title on the tour, got off to a fast start in the third round with a first-hole birdie but had four bogeys in the next five holes to make the turn at 39.
The two-time major champion regrouped on the back nine with a birdie at the 13th and an eagle at 15th before dropping another shot at the last.
“This 18th hole has frustrated me. Over the years, it’s gotten my number more times than it’s been good,” she said.
“I played six really bad holes to start the day but then got things going.”
Yang, 25, was happy with her round because the pin positions were a lot tougher and the wind was blowing.
Yang, who was runner-up at last week’s Women’s Australian Open, was cautious about her chance of winning her second LPGA title.
“I’ll just do my best one shot at a time. I won’t think about winning too much,’’ she said.
Gal, who made six birdies and two bogeys, said that winning was always her goal.
“To win the title is the goal at the beginning of the season,’’ she said. “I just need to relax and do the same thing I did in the last few days.”
Tseng, who has now won since the 2012 Kia Classic, said that she would try her best to catch the leader in the final round.
“There is still one more day to go. You never know on this golf course,” said the Taiwanese, who won here in 2011 and 2012.
“Now the wind picks up and they have tougher pin positions out there, I just need to stay patient and try to make as many birdies as possible.”
Paphangkorn, 15, said that every aspect of her game was good particularly putting.
“I am really happy with my round,” she said. “With 18 holes to go, I will try to enjoy the game and learn as much as I can.”
Thai hopeful Ariya Jutanugarn soared to 77 with two birdies, three bogeys and two double bogeys to share 26th place with five players including Catriona Matthew (76), Michelle Wie (74) and Beatriz Recari (70).
“My iron play and putting were really bad,” said Ariya, who finished second in the 2013 edition. “This is golf. You cannot play good every day.”
Her older sister Moriya (71) was on 215 and Thidapa Suwannapura (74) was one shot behind.
Pornanong Phatlum shot a second straight 71 for 216 while Sherman Santhiwiwatthanaphong hit a 82 to stay last in the 70-player field on 234.