Japan’s Saigo grabs one-shot lead at LPGA Shanghai

SHANGHAI: A strong back nine capped by an eagle on the par-five 17th hole propelled Japan´s Mao Saigo into a one-stroke lead Saturday heading into the final round at Buick LPGA Shanghai.Finishing with a seven-under-par 65, the 23-year-old edged out surging home hope Yin Ruoning, the highest-ranked player in the field and who shot a stunning 63 in her third round.

Among Saigo´s highlights was lobbing a tricky chip shot from the rough on the par-five fourth hole, landing the ball softly on the fringe and watching it roll straight into the cup for birdie.

Hot on her tail was China´s 22-year-old Yin, current world number four and champion of last year´s Women´s PGA Championship.

Yin started strong, shooting 32 in a front-nine performance that saw her chip in for birdie on the par-three seventh hole.

Yin really pumped up the home crowd at the 17th-hole green, eliciting huge cheers when she sank a mid-length putt for eagle and a brief outright lead.

Former world number one Kim Sei-young of South Korea had led after each of the first two rounds but slid to third place after shooting a 69 on Saturday, three strokes behind leader Saigo. Behind Kim came Yealimi Noh of the United States at a three-day combined score of 13 under par, followed by a six-way tie for fifth place at 11 under.

Lucy Li of the United States finished with an even-par 72 on the day, falling into the crowded tie for fifth after beginning the day alongside Saigo in second place.