Australian great Karrie Webb and her teenage heir apparent Minjee Lee are in with a shout in the US Women's Open.
American Michelle Wie (72) and South Korea's Amy Yang (68) have a handy edge, with a four-shot lead at two under-par 208 going into the final round.
But the Pinehurst No.2 course is providing a fierce examination and the two Australians are poised to strike if the two front-runners falter, as Wie has done twice before when leading into the last day.
Yang looms as favourite, having played well down the stretch at the US Open and has recorded three top-10 finishes in her last three starts including a runner-up in 2010.
West Australian Lee continues to defy her youth and inexperience to be tied third in a four-player group including Hall of Famer Julie Inkster, a two-time US Open champion who turned back the clock at age 53 with a superb third round 66.
Eighteen-year-old Lee, the world No.1 amateur, is playing in only her second major championship but she hung well with a 72 despite five bogeys.
Webb, herself a two-time champion (2000, 2001), is just a shot further back after a 70 as she attempts to win her eighth major title.
She said Wie had opened the door for others after going into the third round with a three-shot lead.
"Michelle Wie has put a few of us back into the tournament," Webb said.
"Two hours ago, I didn't think I had a shot. I'm pretty happy about that."
Lee has drawn some inspiration after meeting some past champions of the event at a dinner function which she attended as Webb's guest.
She said she met Catherine Lacoste, the only woman to win the championship as an amateur when she did in 1967.
"After dinner, they kind of went - everyone spoke and told us about what's their best moment of winning an Open," said Lee.
"So that was pretty inspirational."
Lee is also tied with South Korea's Na Yeon Choi and Stephanie Meadow of Northern Ireland who is playing her first event as a professional.
Lee won low amateur honours at the year's first major, the Kraft Nabisco Championship and is well placed to claim that honour again, though she will be aiming much higher.
"I've been in this position, but not in a big tournament like this, obviously," said Lee.
"Yeah, I think it will be different and I'll just try my best."
