Kim Forges Five-Stroke Lead at Lorena Ochoa Invitational


Christina Kim continued her fine play in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. The $1 million, 36-player LPGA Tour event is taking place at Club de Golf Mexico in Mexico City.

On Saturday the 30-year-old Kim posted her third straight score in the 60s, a 4-under 68, for a 54-hole total of 14-under 202 and a five-stroke lead over China's Shanshan Feng, who also shot a 68.

In the third round Kim recorded five birdies and a bogey, one of only three dropped shots she's had in the tournament. She began with a 65 that included two eagles and will be seeking a wire-to-wire win Sunday.

Kim is in great position for her first title in nearly 10 years. The San Jose, Calif., native has two career victories; her most recent came in 2005 at the Mitchell Company Tournament of Champions.

Trailing by six are South Korean So Yeon Ryu (69), Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum (71) and Spain's Azahara Munoz (71). Seven back is No. 1-ranked Inbee Park (69), while eight behind is American Brittany Lincicome (69).

No. 3 Lydia Ko struggled to a 74 and fell into a tie for eighth at 211 with Paula Creamer. Thanks to a 65 Friday, Creamer began Saturday only a shot behind Kim. But the 28-year-old Californian could only manage two bogeys and a double-bogey for a 76.

Defending champion Lexi Thompson had a 70 and is tied for 10th with Norway's Suzann Pettersen (75). Michelle Wie carded a 71 and shares 12th at 213 with Julieta Granada, Jenny Shin and Lizette Salas.

No. 2-ranked Stacy Lewis recorded her second straight 70 and is tied for 20th with three others at even-par 216.

Lewis and Park entered the tournament ranked first and second in the Race to the CME Globe, with Ko third. The LPGA Tour's 2014 season will conclude next week with the CME Globe Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla. Wie is fourth in the points' standings.

For all the scores in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, visit www.lpga.com.