Thompson Sets Pace in Lorena Ochoa Invitational


On the strength of rounds of 72, 64 and 67, Lexi Thompson has forged a one-stroke lead in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. The $1 million LPGA Tour event began Thursday at Guadalajara Country Club.

Thompson, an 18-year-old from Coral Springs, Fla., posted five birdies Saturday to reach 13-under 203, a shot ahead of South Korea's I.K. Kim, who also shot a 5-under 67.

On Sunday Thompson will be going for her second win in 2013 and the third of her career.

Alone in third is Stacy Lewis, who shot 67, while another stroke back is South Korean So Yeon Ryu (71). Four back of Thompson are Sweden's Anna Nordqvist and Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum, who both carded even-par 72s.

Nordqvist, Ryu and Phatlum held the 36-hole lead in the tournament.

No. 1-ranked Inbee Park (72), No. 2 Suzann Pettersen (70) and Lizette Salas (71) share seventh at 7-under.

Michelle Wie, the 2009 winner, carded a 67 to rise into a tie for 10th with Spain's Azahara Munoz (69) at 7-under.

Spain's Beatriz Recari opened with rounds of 72 and 77 and withdrew from the 36-player event before the start of the third round.

For complete scoring details, visit www.lpga.com.