Skip to content

Lexi Thompson has two-shot lead after round three at ANA Inspiration

Lexi Thompson is chasing her second win in the season's first major
Image: Lexi Thompson is chasing her second win in the season's first major

Lexi Thompson has a two-shot lead after three rounds of the ANA Inspiration following back-to-back rounds of 67 at Mission Hills.

The American completed the final 10 holes of her delayed second round on Saturday and then returned to make six birdies and a bogey in her third round to reach 13-under for the tournament.

The 22-year-old Thompson has twice held the 54-hole lead in this event, going on to win in 2014, and is looking for her second career Major victory.

Live LPGA Tour Golf

Her nearest challenger is Suzann Pettersen of Norway, who is on 11-under-par after a putting together a third round of 68, finishing on a high with her sixth birdie of the round at the 18th.

However, there are plenty of other contenders for victory in the first major of the year, with South Korea's Hur Mi-Jung, Ryu So-Yeon and Inbee Park, plus Australia's Minjee Lee, all on 10-under-par.

Hur rocketed up the leaderboard with a seven-under-par 65 which included eight birdies, while Rio Olympic gold medalist Park, whose seven major titles include the 2013 ANA Inspiration, had five birdies in a four-under 68.

Lee also signed for a 68 while Ryu, playing in the last group, carded a 69.

Also See:

Suzann Pettersen is chasing leader Lexi Thompson
Image: Suzann Pettersen is chasing leader Lexi Thompson

Ariya Jutanugarn, the Thai who has Lydia Ko's World No 1 ranking in her sights, shot a 68 and is in a group on eight-under which also includes Americans Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie, and Karine Icher of France.

Ko is at five-under after a 71 and is level with seven others, including England's Charley Hull, who began the week with a 68 but has fallen eight shots off the pace after subsequent rounds of 72 and 71.