Morgan Pressel holds the lead after three rounds of Evian MastersLaurent Cipriani
Morgan Pressel of the United States took the lead at the Evian Masters after the third round on Saturday, shooting a 5-under 67 to move to 11 under and two strokes clear of South Koreans Jiyai Shin and Jeong Jang.
Pressel had been three strokes off the lead overnight after managing only a par 72 on Friday, but hit back with four birdies and an eagle on the final hole of the day.
She felt she could have been further ahead but for a mistake in her club selection on the third hole.
"I got off to a good start: Birdied the first hole, made a little bit of a mess on three, more of a mental error than anything," Pressel said. "I just shouldn't have hit driver off the tee and made bogey."
Shin, who was briefly ranked No. 1 in the world following Lorena Ochoa's retirement this year, had five birdies and a bogey in a round of 68, while Jang hit 70.
Overnight leader Mika Miyazato of Japan (74) fell four strokes behind Pressel after a patchy round which featured three consecutive bogeys and five overall.
Alena Sharp of Hamilton carded a 71 and is 13 strokes off the pace.
Brittany Lincicome, one of the longest drivers in women's golf, had a fine round of 65 - including six birdies and an eagle on the 16th hole - to move three strokes behind Pressel in a tie for fourth with Alexis Thompson (67) at 8-under.
"I was hitting the fairways and my putting was working well. It's one of those days when everything seems to go right for you," Lincicome said. "I would like to be able to play that way all year, but the problem with golf is that everything changes from one day to the next. I was consistent and I hope to do the same tomorrow."
Gwladys Nocera was one off the lead overnight, but the Frenchwoman slipped down the leaderboard with a poor 76, undone by five bogeys.
Michelle Wie had a better day after her sluggish 77 on Friday, showing more consistency with a 70 to move to 1 under.