2 Aug 2015

Ko still in the hunt for maiden major title

1:37 pm on 2 August 2015

The New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko has been pushed from a share of second to a tie for 5th but remains in contention for her maiden major title following the third round of the British Open in Scotland.

Lydia Ko watches a putt at the British Open, 2015.

Lydia Ko watches a putt at the British Open, 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Following rounds of 68 and 73, the 18-year-old carded an even par 72 to stay at 5 under for the tournament, 3 shots off the pace.

The South Korean Ko Jin-young and Teresa Lu of Taiwan share the lead after the third round at Turnberry.

Both players carded three-under-par 69s to finish level on 208, eight under for the championship and one stroke ahead of overnight leader Suzann Pettersen of Norway (72).

Japan's Mika Miyazato was in fourth place at the Scottish links course on 210, one ahead of the world number one Park In-bee (69) of South Korea, the world number two Lydia Ko (72) and the Australian Minjee Lee (70).

Melissa Reid (69) was flying the flag for Britain on 212, the same mark as South Korean Ryu So-yeon (73).

Reid finished in style, hitting a majestic three-wood to 12 feet and sinking her eagle putt at the 17th before ramming home a birdie putt of 18 feet at the last.

"I'm not too far off. If I can just sort out the first few holes where I've been dropping shots then I've certainly got a chance," the 27-year-old Englishwoman told reporters at the women's major.

"I feel like I'm putting really well and my swing feels good so I'm going to go out there tomorrow and give it my best shot."

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.