Sei Young Kim leads Lexi Thompson by one at Marathon Classic

Sei Young Kim has a one stroke lead going into the final round of the Marathon Classic, with Lexi Thompson chasing.

The South Korean signed for a five under 66 around a breezy Highlands Meadow Golf Club on Saturday, enough to take her to 16 under for the tournament. Thompson is on 15 under, while Jeongeun Lee6 is four shots off the pace on 12 under, followed by Carlota Ciganda, Jennifer Kupcho and Stacy Lewis on 11 under.

Kim was steady in the gusty conditions, making up for her two bogeys with seven birdies, four of which came on the back nine. Now, Kim gets a shot at impressing one of her golfing idols.

“Tomorrow, I play with Lexi Thompson, one of my favorite players,” the world number 12, who was yesterday’s leader, told lpga.com.

“I’m very exciting play with her [sic]… I’m very confident right now. Play same as last three days.”

Meanwhile, Thompson had an eventful front nine, starting with a bogey but rising up the leaderboard with five birdies before making the turn. A string of pars was finally ended when the American found the par five 18th green in two and rolled in a 20 footer for eagle.

“It was a lot windier today,” quipped the former ANA Inspiration champion.

“A little bit different direction, but not a big difference. It was just gusty…it was a little bit more to deal with and then firmer greens in the afternoon, but it was a good test.”

With more wind predicted for Sunday and five players within striking distance of Kim, its anyone’s silverware in Ohio.

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