In-form New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko is in contention for her second win of the season heading into the final round of the latest event on the LPGA Tour.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Starting the day five shots off the lead, the world No 8 had closed to within two shots after round three of the tournament in Thailand on Saturday.
Ko had seven birdies and two bogeys to card a second consecutive five-under par round of 67, leaving her tied for fourth at 16-under overall.
Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit held the outright lead at 18-under par, one clear of countrywoman Atthaya Thitikul and Germany's Caroline Masson.
Ko, who broke a three-year winless streak in Hawaii last month, got her third round off to a strong start as three birdies in the first five holes put her within one of the lead.
A bogey at the par five seventh meant the resurgent 24-year-old made the turn in two-under 34 as the leaderboard became more crowded.
Ko's back nine included birdies at the 12th, 14th, 15th and 18th holes, with a bogey at the 13th seeing her come home in three-under 33.
The two-time major champion, and 16-time winner on the LPGA Tour, has made an impressive start to the 2021 season.
Coming into the tournament in Thailand, Ko had played seven events and recorded a victory, two runner-up finishes and two other top 10 results.