APATTAYA, Thailand – Three consecutive birdies on the back nine gave American Paula Creamer a five-under 67 on Saturday and a three-stroke lead heading into the final round of the $1.45 million LPGA Thailand event.
The world’s No. 3 delighted the Thai galleries, to whom she is a firm fan favorite, with birdies on 12, 13 and 14 to finish with a three-round total of 11-under 205, putting her clear of world’s No. 1 Lorena Ochoa (68) and American Brittany Lang (71).
“I hit a lot of irons good and hit a lot on the greens more than other days,” said Creamer.
“It will not be a walk in the park.
“I don’t feel pressured. I’m ready to win. I have to focus on myself, hole by hole, not thinking too far.”
Creamer finished third in this event the previous time it was played, 18 months ago.
Ochoa, in her first event this year, started with a bogey but then sank five birdies to get within striking distance.
“Sometimes when you start bad you get angry and motivated at the same time,” the Mexican said. “Now I’m in a good position in the tournament.”
Lang, who had the outright lead after two bogey-free rounds, dropped a shot at the fourth but was glad to not carry the burden of leader as she chases a maiden LPGA Tour win.
“I’m not intimidated by (Creamer, Ochoa),” Lang said. “I haven’t had a lot experience in the lead. I feel comfortable being the follower.”
The top trio look likely to fight out the title, with Australian Karrie Webb (69) in outright fourth, three shots behind Ochoa and Lang.
A stroke further back were Hee-young Park (69) of South Korea, Japan’s Mika Miyazato (72) and American Angela Stanford (73).
Young American Morgan Pressel, joint second entering the day, had a disappointing 76 to drop out of contention. (AP)