Jeeno tightens grip on Tour C’ship

Thai star six ahead of Pajaree and Korda

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Jeeno Thitikul plays her shot from the third tee during the third round of the LPGA Tour Championship in Naples, Florida.

(AFP)

Thailand's top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul surged to a six-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the seasonending LPGA Tour Championship, firing an eight-under-par 64.

Defending champion Jeeno overcame a bogey-birdie start by reeling off three birdies in a row on the front nine and four in a row on the back nine, finishing 54 holes on a tournament-record 22-under 194 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

“It has been pretty good,’ Jeeno said of her mindset in the third round. “I was just trying to focus on myself and trying to make birdies and birdies and birdies because I know there’s a bunch of players who will be able to make some more birdies.

“So tomorrow, 18 holes. Hopefully we going to get it done by quickly tomorrow and then enjoying our offseason that's going to come. And then obviously make a lot of good memories out there tomorrow.”