Auckland teenage golf star Lydia Ko is closing in on what would be her first professional win in the USA, and her first victory this year.
Ko holds a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the latest LPGA tournament in Arizona, after shooting a five under par 67 in her third round at the Founders Cup.
The 16-year-old duelled all day with overnight leader Mirim Lee, who led by two shots at the start of play.
Ko mixed four birdies and an eagle with a bogey, taking the outright lead again on the 17th hole from the South Korean, who shares second with American Jessica Korda.
Ko's eagle on the fifth hole saw her take the lead before two straight birdies got Lee back in front.
Another birdie on the 10th was matched by the South Korean on the 11th and Ko bogied the next hole to restore Lee's two-shot advantage.
But Lee bogied the 15th while Ko just missed a putt for eagle, settling for birdie and first equal.
Then the rookie seized the lead on the 17th with her fifth birdie, Ko holding it with par on the 18th for the one-shot lead and 16 under overall.
