Thompson Leads by Three in Malaysia


Lexi Thompson fired a 5-under 66 to take a three-stroke lead in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. The $2 million event began Thursday at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.

The 18-year-old Floridian carded three birdies on the front nine and two more on the back to reach 17-under 196, three ahead of 36-hole leader Ilhee Lee, who posted a 70 Saturday.

Thompson got into contention Friday with a sterling 63. She hopes the momentum carries over into the final round. "The last few events have actually been a lot better with my putting," Thompson told reporters. "I went back to my old style of putting and just went to how I was putting when I was really little.

"So I'm feeling really confident with my putter, and mainly that is what putting is all about. It's just getting over the putter and saying you're going to make it. I think this game is all about momentum. Once you make a few birdies you feel good and just try to keep that going."

Suzann Pettersen (67 and Shanshan Feng (70), the LPGA Tour's winner last week in China, are tied for third at 202. Another two shots back are Anna Nordqvist (65) and Karine Icher (68).

Defending champion Inbee Park carded her best round of the tournament, a 2-under 69, that brought the top-ranked player in women's golf to 3-under 210.

For all the scores, visit www.lpga.com.