Minjee Lee in the mix for another LPGA win
Minjee Lee is an outside chance for successive LPGA victories after the world No.2 worked her way back into contention at the Mediheal Championship in California.
Australian Lee carded a third-round five-under 67 at a cold and windy Lake Merced Golf Club to be in a share of fourth at four under – six shots off the pace.
The 22-year-old had four birdies and a bogey before she wrapped up her round with an eagle on the par-five 18th.
A winner at the LA Open last week, Lee struggled in the opening round with a 76 but a 69 on Saturday and Sunday's (AEST) round have her lurking behind leader Sei Young Kim.
A four-under 68 lifted South Korean Kim to 10 under and a three-shot advantage over England's Charley Hull heading into the final round.
Playing through a back injury that has forced her to alter her swing, Kim rebounded from an opening bogey with an eagle on the par-five fifth and three more birdies.
Known for an attacking style that has led to two of three lowest 72-hole scores in LPGA Tour history, Kim has been forced to play more cautiously this week.
"It's really tough to escape from the rough because today's pin positions are really tough," Kim said.
"Just try to get the right number, that's all key today. … Some holes I have to avoid the pin."
Hull was second after a 70, but could rue a missed six-foot putt for birdie on the last, while Puerto Rico's Maria Torres was five under after a 71.
Lee was in a group a shot further back that includes Lexi Thompson (69), Amy Yang (70), Louise Ridderstrom (72) and Eun-Hee Ji (73).
Second-round leader So Yeon Ryu had a disastrous 79, which included a triple bogey in the par-four 16th, to plummet to even par.
AP