Thitikul takes 3-stroke lead in Hawaii in bid for her 4th LPGA Tour victory of the season

HONOLULU (AP) — Thai golfer Jeeno Thitikul, currently ranked second, took a three-stroke lead in the LOTTE Championship on a windy Saturday, aiming for her fourth LPGA Tour win of the season.

Following a bogey on the par-4 seventh, Thitikul experienced three consecutive birdies on the back nine, including pars on four holes followed by birdies on the par-4 17th and par-5 18th. She finished with a 5-under 67, placing her at 17-under 199, a round away from victory.

Tied for the second-round lead with Thitikul were Polly Mack and Ina Yoon, both at 14 under. Yoon shot 69, while Maja Stark (67) and Carolina Melgrati (70) were 13 under. Lilia Vu (66), Miyu Yamashita (69), and Michelle Zhang (70) trailed by one stroke. The tournament signifies the beginning of a month-long series of tournaments in Asia, starting with the Buick LPGA Shanghai from October 15-18.