19 Jul 2015

Ko in contention in Ohio

1:52 pm on 19 July 2015

New Zealand's world golf number two, Lydia Ko, has stormed into contention at the latest event on the LPGA tour in Ohio.

Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko Photo: Photosport

The 18-year-old shot a third round 4 under par 67 to move to 9 under for the tournament, two strokes behind the leader, Korea's Jang Ha-na .

Ko climbed from a tie for 8th into a share of 3rd in Sylvania, with birdies on the 2nd, 8th, 10th and 13th.

She won the event last year and was disappointed after failing to birdie either of the closing par-fives -- the 17th and 18th -- but was happy with her position heading into Sunday's final round.

"I think I was a couple shots behind last year too so I don't mind the position I'm in right now," said Ko said. "It's great to return to a course where you've played well."

The tour rookie Jang maintained her lead by one shot after the weather-delayed third round with some of the game's biggest names were in hot pursuit.

Still bothered by a back injury that has her finishing her swing with one arm, the Korean fired a two-under-par 69 to remain on track for a wire-to-wire victory at Highland Meadows Golf Club.

Seeking her first win on the U.S. circuit, the 23-year-old mixed three birdies with a lone bogey to post an 11-under total of 202.

Fellow Korean, Q Baek, who clinched her maiden LPGA title last year was alone in second after a birdie at the par-five last earned her a 68.

South Korean world number one Park In-bee also birdied the 18th for a 67 to share third place at nine under with compatriot Chella Choi (65), Ko, China's Shanshan Feng (68) and American Austin Ernst (66).