Shiho Oyama moved into a one-shot lead with one round left in the Japan LPGA Championship Konica Minolta Cup after shooting her second 67 of the week Saturday.
Oyama leapfrogged JLPGA stars Ai Miyazato, Sakura Yokomine and Yuri Fudo into the top of the leaderboard after making five birdies in a front-nine 31 and went on to complete three rounds at 6-under-par 210 in rainy conditions at Meishin Yokaichi Country Club.
Yokomine and Miyazato are tied at 5-under 211 after three rounds, while Fudo is one shot back at 212.
"I like this course -- the speed of its greens and even its rough -- everything," said Oyama, who is aiming for her second career title and first since her win at the 2003 Belluna Ladies.
Osanai joins Imano
INZAI, Chiba Pref. (Kyodo) Mamoru Osanai shot a career-best 62 to charge into a share of the lead with overnight leader Yasuharu Imano after three rounds of the Suntory Open on Saturday.
Steven Conran of Australia fried a 65 and stood alone in third with a 9-under 201, a stroke ahead of Shingo Katayama, who had a 67.