New Zealnd teenager Lydia Ko plays a tee shot the third round of the Women's Australian Open at Royal Canberra Golf Club Source: Getty Images
KIWI amateur Lydia Ko and South Korean star Jiyai Shin charged out in front of their rivals to share a massive six-stroke lead going into the final round of the Women's Australian Open.
Setting up what appears to be a two-horse race, both shot solid three-under-par 70s at Royal Canberra on Saturday to be on 17-under 202 after the third round - well clear of nearest challenger Beatriz Recari from Spain (208).
Ko, 15, jumped to the outright lead early on the front nine with birdies on the 2nd, 4th and 6th holes.
But former world No.1 Shin responded immediately, pegging back Ko's two-shot lead with an eagle out of a deep green-side bunker on the par-5 6th.
“I was too short to watch the eagle. I was surprised that it went in, but a little sad I couldn't see it,” Shin said.
A consistent Shin then moved into the overall lead when Ko bogeyed two holes on the back nine, two holes the teenager has admitted to having difficulty with.
The pair traded blows in the final few holes of the round, with Ko hitting a birdie on the 18th to level the scores.
The six-shot gap to third sets up a tantalising matchplay-like scenario.
“It makes it comfortable for us, because I'm just focussed about her score and she will also just keep looking at my score,” Shin said.
“But this course has a lot of chances to birdie, a lot of par fives, so I will still keep watching for other players.”
Ko said she was looking forward to playing alongside Shin, acknowledging the duo's playing styles were similar.
“Oh, well they say we look alike too,” Ko said.
“She's a pretty accurate player off the tee. A great player and there are things that I do need to learn off her.”
One facet where the two couldn't be more different is the emotion they show on the course.
When Shin landed her eagle on the 5th she let her celebration rip, whereas Ko has been noted for her calm manner in both good times and bad.
“I don't really like to show my expressions a lot unless it's pretty big,” Ko said.
“There has been (times) in the past where I've shown emotion or expression and, even if it was good, it has led on to not a good hole after.”
Meanwhile, overnight leader Colombian Mariajo Uribe had a forgettable day, shooting a disappointing 79 and dropping almost entirely out of contention.
West Australian Kristie Smith, who started the day in fourth, also tumbled with a 77.
Queenslander Sarah Jane Smith is leading the charge for the Australians, finishing her round (73) in equal ninth at eight-under.
France's Gwladys Nocera, who narrowly avoided the cut, was the day's best performer with her round of 65 taking her up to equal fifth.
Four-time tournament champion Karrie Webb also had an improved performance with a 69 but, at five-under after three rounds (214), remains too many shots behind the leaders to pose a threat.
AAP
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