Ai Miyazato kept her slim hopes of becoming Japan's first teenage money queen alive when she shot a 3-under-par 69 to take a two-stroke lead over Yuri Fudo after the third round of the Japan LPGA Tour Championship on Saturday.
The 19-year-old Miyazato made four birdies against a sole bogey for a 54-hole total of 3-under 213 at a windswept Miyazaki Country Club and set up an intriguing final-day showdown with Japanese No. 1 Fudo at the season-ending event.
Fudo, who is aiming to retain her Tour Championship title and top the money list for a record fifth season in a row, shares second with overnight leader Michie Oba after shooting a 71.
Smail seizes lead
KAIMON, Kagoshima Pref. (Kyodo) David Smail of New Zealand surged into the lead on 11-under-par 205 Saturday and took a two-stroke edge over Hunter Mahan with one round left in the Casio World Open.