25 Mar 2019

Consistent Ko stays in touch

5:15 am on 25 March 2019

A consistent Lydia Ko has remained in touch with the frontrunners after three rounds of the LPGA Tour's Founders Cup in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 22: Lydia Ko during the second round of the Bank of Hope LPGA Golf Tournament at the Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, March 22, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona (Photo by Will Powers/Icon Sportswire)

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The world No.15 fired a third successive five-under 67 and now sits four shots behind Yu Liu of China, who shot seven-under 65 for her third round, mixing seven birdies with two bogeys and an eagle at the par-five 15th to snatch the outright lead.

Yu Liu's 19-under tally over three rounds is one shot clear of Spain's Carlota Ciganda, who shot a flawless nine-under 63 to rocket up the leaderboard from 11th to second.

American Angel Yin is a further two shots back in third at 16-under over three rounds, with Ko and four others tied in a share of fourth place at 15-under.

Ko has been a model of consistency, with only the one second-round bogey blemishing her scorecard.

She's seeking her first title since winning the LPGA Mediheal Championship in April last year.

Ko's best result so far this year came at the season-opening event in Florida, where she finished in a share of eighth place.