PATTAYA, THAILAND -- Japan’s Ai Miyazato shot a seven-under-par 65 in the third round to take a one-stroke lead over world No. 1 Yani Tseng of Taiwan at the Honda LPGA Thailand.
Miyazato, who won the 2010 tournament, made eight birdies, including five in the first six holes on the back nine, against a lone bogey at Siam Country Club, Old Course.
She had a 14-under 202 total, one shot ahead of defending champion Tseng who fired a second straight 65 after a disappointing 73 in the first round.
Australia’s Karrie Webb (71) and South Korea’s Jiyai Shin (68) were on 12 under.
Miyazato got up at 4am to resume her rain-suspended second round and took two birdies in the last five holes to complete the second round.
“It was a really, really long day for me. I was up at 4 o’clock this morning. But the temperature dropped down today so that helped a lot. So that’s why I think I could control myself out there. I kept a really strong focus. It was a really long day out there but I felt really good,” said the 26-year-old.
The Japanese made an impressive start to the third round with a first-hole birdie. Despite suffering a bogey at the third, she bounced back with seven birdies.
Bidding to win her eighth LPGA title, Miyazato credited her short game for her great round.
“I might feel some pressure tomorrow because every other player is playing really good too,” she said.
“So, I have to focus on my game and just try my best. I am enjoying playing here and hopefully there will be more Japanese fans tomorrow.”
Two years ago, Miyazato fired a final-round 63 to win the title by a stroke over Suzann Pettersen.
Tseng said she now had confidence in her game and wanted to win the tournament after claiming 12 titles last year.
“I hit so many great shots today and I just feel like my game is there. I’m pretty confident and just will try to do it again tomorrow,” she said.
“I really want to win this tournament. I always really enjoy it out here to see a lot of fans and I’m very excited about tomorrow and looking forward to it.”
Webb had a three-stroke lead in the morning after the completion of the lightning-delayed second round, playing the final four holes in one under after a 65.
“I really didn’t swing it well and it progressively got worse as it went on so I made some really good pars out there today when I really was struggling with my swing,” Webb said.
“I’m glad that I haven’t played my way out of it, I’m only two shots back so I’ll have a nice Thai massage tonight and my body will be back to normal by tomorrow hopefully.”
She added: “Hopefully I’ll have more of the momentum that I had yesterday and the good swing feels and just the lightness in my body. Get out there and just play some good golf. I’ve played particularly well at this golf course so hopefully that holds me in good sitting again tomorrow.”
South Korea’s Amy Yang was 11 under after a 68, and Norwegian star Suzann Pettersen was another stroke back after a 69.
Thai amateur Ariya Jutanugarn had two eagles in a 65 that left her at nine under.
Michelle Wie was even par after a 73.
Third Round Scores (a - denotes amateur)
202— Ai Miyazato (JPN) 67-70-65,
203— Yani Tseng (TPE) 73-65-65,
204— Shin Jiyai (KOR) 70-66-68, Karrie Webb (AUS) 68-65-71
205— Amy Yang (KOR) 68-69-68
206— Suzann Pettersen (NOR) 70-67-69
207— (a) Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 73-69-65
208— Jenni Shin (USA) 71-70-67, Stacy Lewis (USA) 70-69-69
209— Pornanong Phatlum (THA) 71-67-71, Amanda Blumenherst (USA) 71-67-71, Choi Na Yeon (KOR) 68-68-73
210— Mina Hargae (US) 745-68-68, Shanshan Feng (CHN) 70-70-70
Selected:
213— Crisite Kerr (USA) 74-68-71
216— Michelle Wie (USA) 75-68-73, Lexi Thompson (USA) 73-73-70
217— Paula Creamer (USA) 72-73-72
218— Ben Mozo (ESP) 74-68-76
