Jiyai Shin fired a five-under 67 to climb to the top of the leaderboard on day three of the AIG Women's Open at St Andrews.
The Korean opened with rounds of 71 over the first two days in Scotland but made a big move on Saturday to take the lead at seven-under par.
Shin, who won the 2008 and 2012 editions of the tournament, got off to a hot start with back-to-back birdies on the first two holes before dropping a shot on the third.
Three birdies on the trot at holes seven, eight and nine put the 36-year-old in contention before he made another on the 12th.th the pit.
There was another bogey at 14, but Shin quickly finished in style with others hovering around him as he birdied the final 17 to close the round at five under and move into first place.
“I've played golf for a long time, this is my third time at St Andrews,” said Shin, who has won 64 times around the world. “I have a lot of knowledge on links courses, although it's not this hard wind, but I have a lot of knowledge.''
Defending champion Lilia Vu sits in second straight behind Shin thanks to a birdie at the last.
The American carded a 71, which included five birdies, a double bogey, and two bogeys to stay within touching distance with 18 holes left to play.
World No. 1 player Nelly Korda, who led the middle division, had a tough day, shooting a three-under 75 to drop to third place at five-under-par.
The three-time LET winner had one double bogey and five bogeys on his scorecard along with four birdies including one at the last to be just two shots behind leader Shin.
“It's nice to finish with a birdie, but it wasn't very nice,” said Korda. “It was nice to see the one roll in, it almost went in, but after making two bogeys on the first two holes, it was nice to birdie again.
“With a double on 16 and a bogey on 17, you want to finish on a good note. I was happy to see that season come. Hopefully, I can take this momentum into tomorrow.
“I think it's going to be a tough day. I think the winds will be high. It might rain, too. I will keep a positive attitude. Take one shot at a time. I played very well in the first two days, so I will focus on tomorrow.”
Lydia Ko of New Zealand and Jenny Shin of Korea moved back to fourth.
Four players tied for sixth place with Ruoning Yin, Jinhee Im, Jeeno Thitikul and Alexa Pano all at 3-under-par.
Six players are back in the T10 including Esther Henseleit, Albane Valenzuela, Charley Hull and Casandra Alexander.
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