MISSION HILLS - World golf No 1 Annika Sorenstam produced a flawless six-under 66 in the third round of the Kraft Nabisco Championship at Mission Hills yesterday, taking her to a five-shot lead.
Aiming for a record-equalling fifth successive win on the LPGA Tour and her eighth victory in a
major, the Swede finished on an 11-under 205 and said she was probably playing the best golf of her career.
American Rosie Jones, 45, birdied the last for a 71 and was alone in second place on six-under 210.
Another American, Cristie Kerr, shot 70 to tie for third on 212 with South Korean Mi-Hyun Kim, who managed 72.
Two-time Nabisco former champion Sorenstam started the day tied for the lead with Jones but eased ahead with birdies at the second and third holes.
More birdies followed at the seventh and eighth and another two arrived at the 12th and 15th. Almost as importantly, the Swede made par-saving putts from about 2.5m at the 13th, 16th and 17th.
"Conditions were perfect today and I'm now in a great position, but there's still a way to go," Sorenstam said.
"I'm still taking nothing for granted. I'm just hoping for another day like today. I played smart, was aggressive when I needed to be, and careful on other occasions.
"I made a few good clutch putts coming down the stretch and they were as important as the birdies."
Sorenstam's score was the best of the championship and one of only four under 70 in the third round.
"I'm probably playing the best of my career," she said. "I seem to be able to scramble well and to bounce back even if I make a mistake."
Jones, who intends to retire at the end of this season, has had 21 top-10 finishes in majors without winning.
"Annika's the last person you want with a five-shot lead and unfortunately that's the scenario we have," she said.
"I'm going to be optimistic and if I'm within three shots on the back nine then I think I can catch her. But I know I'm going to have to make a lot of birdies."
American Morgan Pressel, 16, had a 72 and was the best-placed amateur, in a tie for fifth place on 215.
- REUTERS
