Ko in striking range in LPGA finale

Lydia Ko is contention to go back-to-back in the LPGA's season-ending Tour Championship, but says there's still plenty of golf to play on the final day.

World No.1 Lydia Ko, in striking distance at two shots off the lead, believes the LPGA's season-ending Tour Championship remains wide open heading into the final day in Florida.

Ko carded a blemish-free three-under 69, with three birdies on the homeward nine, to go to 11-under after 54 holes at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples and be in a tie for third.

Ahead of her are American Cristie Kerr, who fired the day's lowest score of 66, and overnight leader Ha Na Jang of South Korea, who carded a 69.

Meanwhile, world No.2 Inbee Park put herself back in the picture with a 67 to be four shots from the frontrunners.

A year ago, Ko had the biggest payday in women's golf when she came from three shots back on the final day to win the tournament, as well secure the inaugural season-long Race to the CME Globe.

While the 18-year-old New Zealander would naturally love to go back-to-back, "there's still a lot of golf to be played".

"Inbee is playing great and so are the other girls - you can't take anyone out of it," Ko said.

"If you are like five shots, six shots behind, that can change around, especially on a course like this when somebody makes a good birdie and someone makes a bogey, and that's two shots straightaway."

Ko and Park, who have each won five times on the tour this year, are jockeying for the top ranking.

They are also battling for the main LPGA season-ending awards of the Race to the CME Globe, player of the year, lowest scoring average and most earnings.

Ko said she would go into the final round concentrating simply on what she could do.

"I just have to focus on my game," she said.

"I think that's all I can do from here."


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Source: AAP



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