BANGKOK • After breaking the LPGA Thailand Open course record on Friday and maintaining a four-stroke lead yesterday, Jessica Korda will be a name to watch at next week's HSBC Women's World Championship.
Five birdies on the back nine made up for an early bogey to give her a four-under 68 for a total of 196 at the Siam Country Club course in Chonburi.
The American spent most of the day jostling atop the leaderboard with her younger sister, Nelly, and the Jutanugarn siblings.
"I had no expectations, but my coach and I have worked together and it is still there," Korda, who is playing her first even this season after jaw surgery, told LPGA.com.
"I was bit nervous on the front nine, but I knocked the rust off," added the 24-year-old, who is seeking her fifth win on the LPGA tour.
She kept her four-shot lead but was outdone by her sister, who made eight birdies to card a 65 that launched her up from 17th place to a tie for sixth at 204.
Local favourites Moriya and Ariya also fired 65s to be second and fourth (202) respectively.
In between them is Australia's Minjee Lee (68) on 201.
"I really enjoyed my game today, it's working out pretty good," Moriya, who is hoping for her first LPGA career win, said. "There is a lot of support and it feels nice having people cheering you on."
The US$1.6 million (S$2.11 million) event is the final one before the March 1-4 HSBC Women's World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club's New Tanjong Course.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
HONDA LPGA THAILAND
Day 4: Singtel TV Ch115 & StarHub Ch209, 2pm
