Salas & Kerr Head into Sunday atop Kia Classic


Two Americans, Lizette Salas and Cristie Kerr, now share the lead through 54 holes of the Kia Classic. Salas shot a 69 and Kerr a 70, with the two at 10-under 206 heading into Sunday's final round of the $1.7 million LPGA event at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, Calif

Two strokes back are Sweden's Anna Nordqvist, Japan's Ayako Uehara, China's Shanshan Feng and second-round leader American Dori Carter, who carded third rounds of 67, 67, 69 and 74, respectively.

Carter, a 27-year-old from Georgia, fired a course-record-setting 64 Friday for a two-stroke lead.

No. 3-ranked Stacy Lewis was sailing along in good shape most of the day. But the Ohio native closed with three bogeys in the final four holes for a 1-over 73 to drop into a share of seventh at 7-under 209 with Eun-Hee Ji (65), Lexi Thompson (70) and Chella Choi (70).

Ji's seven-birdie outing tied 21-year-old P.K. Kongkraphan for Saturday's low round.

The shots of the day came on the same hole - the 89-yard third at Aviara. With a 58-degree wedge, Kongkraphan canned her tee shot, and veteran Laura Diaz did the same on Saturday.

According to reports, this was Kongkraphan's eighth hole-in-one in pro competition and the 13th of her life. "After the hole-in-one, everything changed," said Kongkraphan, who also carded five birdies for her 65.

The Thai native is at 6-under 210 with Australia's Karrie Webb (67), Spain's Azahara Munox (69), South African Ashleigh Simon (70) and Paraguayn Julieta Granada, who carded her third straight 70 of the tournament.

The 38-year-old Diaz, a two-time LPGA winner, has been around for awhile and knows what's expected after an ace. The New York native told reporters she was looking for some local help after her round, a 2-under 70. "I think Aviara is happy to pay for everybody's drinks," she quipped.

Webb, who won last week's Founders Cup for her 41st LPGA title and opened with a 75 Thursday at Aviara, has rallied with a 68 and 67 to get into contention.

No. 1-ranked Inbee Park has shot rounds of 69, 81 and 72 and is now six strokes behind the leaders.

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