Park takes Guadalajara lead

Last updated: 11th November 2012

South Korea's Inbee Park increased her chances of winning her third LPGA Tour title of the year when she claimed a two-stroke lead after the third round of the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico on Saturday.

She shot a 66 at the Guadalajara Country Club to bring her to a 54-hole total of 15-under 201, ahead of American Cristie Kerr, who posted 67 for 203.

The 24-year-old Park carded three birdies each on the front and back nine and will be looking to play some more solid golf in her quest to add to the titles she won at the Evian Masters and the LGPA Malaysia.

Furthermore, she is just 58 points behind Stacy Lewis in the Player of the Year points race and needs to win this title to keep her chances of overhauling Lewis alive.

"That would be two big achievements this season," said Park, who leads LPGA Tour money list.

"Earlier this season, everything didn't really work well, especially my putting.

"I was just trying to find the right stroke and right putter. I kept trying different putters and kept trying different strokes and just finally found my stroke. I felt really comfortable after that.

"I can't expect Stacy to play bad two events in a row. Even if I don't win player of the year, I've had a really great season and I'm really satisfied with myself," she continued.

Another South Korean So Yeon Ryu finished the day in third spot after her 67 put her on 204 after three rounds, while overnight leader Angela Stanford is another sot further behind after her even par 72.

Host and former world number one Lorena Ochoa is in a share or 19th place after her third round 70.