Golf: Ko falls off the pace in New York

World No 1 amateur Lydia Ko fell off the pace in the third round of the US Open Championship in New York today.

The 16-year-old from the Gulf Harbour Country Club, who had rounds of 72 and 76 at the Sebonack Golf Club to make the cut in her fifth major, slipped back in the third round with a seven-over-par 79.

The world No 16 is on an 11-over-par three-round total to be in a share of 51st place heading into the final round.

Ko will begin the final round 21 shots back from World No.1 Inbee Park who is on track to win three major championships in a row.

The New Zealand Women's Open Champion was again slow to start with three bogeys on the outward nine to make the turn in three-over-par 40.

She bounced back to get back with two birdies early on her back nine to get back to a five-over-par total where she was inside the top 20 players in the field.

From there Ko lost her way with three bogeys in succession before she made a triple bogey on the last to walk off with a bitter taste in her mouth.

She kept alive her perfect record of never missing a cut in 21 professional tournaments since she made her debut in a pro event at the New Zealand Women's Open in 2010.

Now she will look to secure the leading amateur honours for the fifth time out of five majors.

She will need to play well in the final round to secure that honour. The Pinehurst School student is currently in a share of the amateur honours alongside Americans Casie Cathrea and Doris Chen.

Chinese golfer Yueer Cindy Feng (+12) and American Nelly Korda (+13) are also in contention for the low amateur honours on the final day.