Nasa Hataoka and Bronte Law will enter Sunday’s final round of the Pure Silk Championship with a share of the lead at 13-under par.
The Japanese Hataoka finished her third day at Kingsmill Resort with one bogey against five birdies and an eagle en route to a 6-under 65.
“Since I do like the course and it matches me, I’m just going to go ahead in a good mood and do the right things to get the win,” said Hataoka, who looks to become the second multiple winner of the 2019 season.
Law overcame two front-nine bogeys with six birdies, including a final-hole gain, to join Hataoka in Sunday’s final pairing.
“It was massive,” said Law of her final stroke. “I was really trying to make one more birdie coming in. Didn’t quite make the one on 16 or 17, so I was — had my last shot on 18 to make that birdie to make that final pairing and stay ahead, which is something that I’ve been trying to go for each day and just keep pushing and pushing and making more birdies.”
Jennifer Song shot 68 to reach 12-under par, good for a T2 spot alongside Brooke Henderson, who shot a low-round 64, which included a field-best eight birdies, highlighted by bookend gains on Nos. 1 and 18 to sit just one shot off the pace.
“I finished really strong yesterday, which was really important for me, making a lot of birdies and feeling confident on the course again after a tough start,” Henderson said.
“But going out today I wanted to birdie the first hole and I was able to do that, which was awesome and kept the momentum going throughout the round.”
Carlota Ciganda was alone in fifth-place – just two off the pace, at 11-under par, following a third-day 68 which included four birdies.
“I am in a good position. I’m going to try to get to 16, 17-under. I think that will be a good number,” said Ciganda. “I think I’m doing lots of good things, especially for next week. So, yeah, keep playing my best, try to hit lots of greens and see what happens.”
Defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn, and world No. 1 Jin Young Ko, each carded a 69 to reach 5-under par.
Pure Silk Championship
Leaderboard: Top 5
1. Bronte Law -13 (-4)
1. Nasa Hataoka -13 (-6)
2. Jennifer Song -12 (-3)
2. Brooke Henderson -12 (-7)
5. Carlota Ciganda -11 (-3)
Quotable
“There are a lot of good players out here. I don’t really pinpoint like individual players. I just know there is a lot of talent on the LPGA, and on the day there are plenty of people that can shoot low numbers. Hoping to go out there and have a good time with her. Hopefully we can push each other and have some fun out there.”
– Bronte Law