Yuka Saso shot an even-par 72 to remain four strokes behind solo leader Lydia Ko after three rounds in the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio in Boca Raton, Florida on Saturday.
The Fil-Japanese had a rollercoaster round of three birdies against the same amount of bogeys to post a three-round total of 209 for a share of fourth with Charley Hull.
Saso, who had earlier rounds of 67 and 70, opened with a birdie on the par-5 first hole but stumbled with bogeys on the second, fifth and 10th holes.
The reigning US Women’s Open champion, however, picked up her game and managed to birdie the 12th and last holes.
Saso, however, needed a more aggressive performance going into the final round to catch up and overtake Ko.
The Kiwi golfer also posted a 72 but managed to gain the solo lead with 205 after third-round co-leader Danielle Kang struggled with a 74 for 207.
Celine Boutier, meanwhile, made her title campaign felt after propelling from 10th to solo third with a bogey-free 69.
The Frenchwoman was actually the lone golfer to shoot below 70.
Meanwhile, Saso tees off with Hull and Nasa Hataoka on Sunday for a shot at her first title since winning the US Women’s Open last year.