Haeran Ryu capped a front-nine run in the Chevron Championship with a chip-in birdie on the ninth hole, then held on in tricky wind conditions Saturday for a share of the third-round lead with Mao Saigo.
On a gusty, sunny day at The Club at Carlton Woods in the first women’s major tournament of the year, Ryu parred the final nine holes for a 4-under 68. Saigo followed with 69 to match Ryu at nine-under.
The 24-year-old South Korean player has two LPGA Tour victories while Saigo is winless on the LPGA Tour. However, the 23-year-old Japanese player was the tour’s rookie of the year last season.
She parred the last five holes after chipping in for birdie on the par-five 13th to get to nine under.
England’s Georgia Hall dropped back to 24th after a third round 74.
Meanwhile, Lindy Duncan was a stroke back from the leaders after a 70. Fellow American Sarah Schmelzel had a 71 to join Liu (72) at seven under.
Liu, the Chinese player who took a one-shot edge into the weekend, dropped out of a three-way tie for the lead with a double bogey on the par-three 17th.
Playing into the wind on the 144-yard hole, she hit short into a bunker, then left her second in an awkward position in thick rough above the bunker. She chipped 20 feet past and two-putted.
Lexi Thompson topped the group at six under after a 70. The 30-year-old Florida player retired from full-time play at the end of last season.
Top-ranked Nelly Korda was tied for 31st at even par in her title defence. She had consecutive double bogeys on her second nine in a 71. Winless this season, she won last year for the last of her record-tying five straight victories.
Watch The Chevron Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues on Sunday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event. Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW.
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