Ko Up by One at Coates Golf Championship


Lydia Ko carded a 7-under 65 to vault into the lead at the Coates Golf Championship. The $1.5 million LPGA Tour event started Wednesday at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in Florida.

Ko, a 17-year-old Ko from New Zealand, opened with four birdies on the front nine for a 32. After making the turn and carding two straight bogeys, the No. 2-ranked player in women's golf reeled off five straight birdies for a 33 on the home half.

The five-time LPGA winner heads into Saturday's final at 14-under 202, a shot ahead of 36-hole leader Ha Na Jang. Jang, who began the day with a four-stroke lead, had a 71 Friday.

Two back after a 66 is Jang's fellow South Korean Na Yeon Choi, while trailing by four is No. 3-ranked Stacy Lewis (70). South Korea's Amy Yang (65) and Americans Jessica Korda (69) and Austin Ernst (70) are tied for fifth at 207.

Koreans Mirim Lee (69) and So Yeon Ryu (70) share eighth with Spain's Azahara Munoz (72).

A trio of Americans - Brittany Lang (67), Angela Stanford (74) and Cristie Kerr (71) - are tied for 11th at 210.

No. 1-ranked Inbee Park finally got untracked. After starting with rounds of 71 and 75, the 26-year-old from Seoul posted a 67 to rise into a tie for 17th at 213.

Other scores include a 73 by reigning U.S. Women's Open champion Michelle Wie, who heads into the final round at 1-under 215. After holing out for an ace on the sixth hole for Thursday's shot of the day, Paula Creamer struggled to a 77 and fell down into a tie for 55th at 219.

For all the scores, visit http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx.