JAKARTA - Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul took a firm grip on the Simone Asia-Pacific Cup on Friday, carding a seven-under-par 65 to carry a commanding five-stroke lead into Saturday's final round.
Leading jointly with three others overnight, the two-time LPGA Tour winner sank eight birdies to offset a lone bogey at the Pondok Indah Golf Course, amassing a total score of 11-under 133.
She was comfortably ahead of second-placed Lee Da-Yeon from South Korea.
Thailand's Eila Galitsky, the reigning champion of the Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship, trailed by an additional shot after posting a solid 69.
Despite her commanding lead, Atthaya acknowledged the challenge posed by KLPGA Tour ace Lee on the final day.
However, if Atthaya can maintain the exceptional performance with both her driver and irons, as seen on Friday, it will be challenging for Lee to catch up.
When asked if the title is for her to lose, Atthaya responded: "I don't know. I mean, who knows what's going to happen in the future? I don't know what Da-Yeon is going to do on Sunday, she might shoot a really low round."
If all goes well, the Thais are also on track to secure the team title, with Atthaya and Jaravee Boonchant holding a five-shot lead.
Jaravee, tied 19th individually after an even-par 72, contributed to Team Thailand 2 leading comfortably with a total of 10-under 278.
Team Korea 3's Lee Da-Yeon and partner Lee So-Young, along with Kim Min-Sol and Lee Hyo-Song of Team Korea 5, were tied for second place with matching 283s.