AFP, Toronto :
South Korea’s Lee Mi-Hyang led an Asian assault on the leaderboard Saturday by firing a six-under 66 in the third round of the LPGA Tour’s Manulife Classic.
Lee has a one-stroke lead over Korean compatriot Kim Hyo-Joo following 54 holes at the Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ontario.
Two Thai golfers, Ariya Jutanugarn (66) and P.K. Kongkraphan (69), are one shot back of the Koreans in a tie for third as Asians command the top four positions heading into the final round on Sunday.
The 20-year-old Ariya, of Bangkok, has won five times this season to rise to a career-high number two in the world rankings.
“I’m not really worried about the leader,” said Ariya, who won the Women’s British Open and Canadian Women’s Open in her last two starts.
“I want to be happy on the course, and tomorrow’s the final day.”
Lee, who eagled the ninth hole and birdied four of six holes through No. 16, has a leading total of 14-under 202 after 54 holes.
“I made a lot of birdies today,” said Lee. “I made six birdies and one eagle, but I didn’t know that until I checked my score at the score tent. It was a little amazing for me.
“My chips were better than maybe the last two days. Everything’s good.”
Minjee Lee, of Australia, eagled the 12th hole and is three strokes behind in a tie for fifth with Caroline Masson of Germany, who totalled 68.
