Australian youngster Minjee Lee has defied recent poor form to set up a shot a maiden golf major championship title at the ANA Inspiration in California.
Lee shot a four-under-par 68 to be tied third going into the final round, three shots behind the leader, American young gun Lexi Thompson (67), who is 13-under and two shots clear of Norway's Suzann Petersen.
The 22-year-old Thompson's victory in this event on the Dinah Shore Course at Mission Hills Country Club in 2014 is her only previous major title.
"I just love this golf course," Thompson said. "I get to hit a lot of drivers, and it just sets up nicely for me all over."
A three-time LPGA Tour winner, 20-year-old Lee came into the year's first major on the back of missed cuts at her previous two events but she has thrived in the tough, windy conditions.
However, she is facing a final-round shoot out, with 10 players all within five shots of the lead including seven major champions - Thompson, Pettersen, Inbee Park,Ariya Jutanugarn, So Yeon Ryu, Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie.
Lee is tied with three South Koreans, Park (68), Mi Jung Hur (65) and Ryu (69).
Fellow Australian Sarah Jane Smith maintained her consistent form this year to be tied 11th, eight shots off the pace after a 69, along with former world No.1 Lydia Ko of New Zealand.
Countrywoman Su Oh is tied 43rd at one under after a 69 while seven-time major champion Karrie Webb missed the halfway cut badly after scores of 75 78.
LIke Thompson. Pettersen loves MIssion Hills.
"I think I've always said since the first time I saw this place, it really fits my eye," said Pettersen, a two-time major champion.
"I'm driving the ball well, and that's a major key on this golf course. I've got a big job to do (Sunday). The leaderboard is packed behind me as well. You've got to expect to go out there and shoot low. There's a lot at stake, but I'm all in for it."
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