EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France - Japan's Akie Iwai sat three shots off the pace after three rounds at the Evian Championship on Saturday, keeping her hopes alive for a first major LPGA Tour title.
Beginning the day a stroke off the top in second, Iwai carded eight birdies and two bogeys for a 6-under 65 at Evian Resort Golf Club in France to go 16 under par and chases South Korean leader Ryu Hae Ran, who shot a major record of 60 on the day.
Iwai bogeyed on Nos. 1 and 6 but responded each time with birdies in the following holes and claimed she was given "good motivation" playing in the same group as Ryu, who had an eagle and nine birdies.
"I really enjoyed it. I was able to play in front of lots of fans and it would be great if they got to know even just a bit about me," said Iwai, who led after the first round following a 63.
Japan's Mao Saigo had a 64 and is in a two-way tie for third at 12 under alongside Canada's Brooke M. Henderson.
