Third round leader Ko Jin-young, of South Korea, hits out of the 18th fairway at the ANA Inspiration, the first major championship of the LPGA Tour season (MATTHEW STOCKMAN)

Los Angeles (AFP) – Ko Jin-young birdied five holes on the front nine to seize slim lead over two other South Koreans heading into the final round of the ANA Inspiration, the first major of the LPGA season.

The 23-year old from Seoul fired a four-under 68 to lead second round leader Kim In-kyung as the Korean juggernaut steamrolled its way to the top of the leaderboard at the Mission Hills Country Club course near Palm Springs, California. Four of the top seven players are Korean-born.

Ko’s round was far from perfect as she stumbled down the stretch with a double bogey and bogey on Nos. 14 and 15 respectively to reach a eight-under 208 total.

Ko led by five strokes at one stage after sinking a long putt on the par-four 10th. 

But her tee shot on 14 landed in the water and she dropped further with a bogey on the next hole which saw her lead cut to just one stroke. 

Kim is in sole possession of second place and just one stroke back after shooting a one-over 73. She closed with a birdie on the last hole.

Lee Mi-hyang and Korean-American Danielle Kang are tied for third at five under 211, three shots back of Ko. 

Canada’s Alena Sharp, Australian Katherine Kirk and Lee Jeongeun6 of South Korea are tied for fifth at three-under. Sharp shot the best round of the three with a five-under 67.

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.