Thompson powers into ANA Inspiration lead
Lexi Thompson surged late to earn a slender lead heading into the final round of the year's first major tournament at the ANA Inspiration.
Lexi Thompson made a final-hole eagle to move into a one-shot lead at the LPGA's ANA Inspiration in California.
Thompson finished the third round on Saturday with a three-under-par 69 to surge atop the leaderboard at 10 under through 54 holes.
The American came home strong on the penultimate day, having carded back-to-back birdies at the 15th and 16th holes to be clear of Ariya Jutanugarn, Lydia Ko and Chun In-gee.
Jutanugarn, Ko and In-gee had shared the lead at nine under until Thompson's late run at Mission Hills Country Club.
Jutanugarn posted a five-under 67 and Ko - fresh off her triumph at the Kia Classic - had a flawless 69.
In-gee also shot a 69 to be within touching distance of Thompson heading into the final round of the year's first major tournament.
Charley Hull (69) is tied for fifth at eight under alongside Ai Miyazato (71), who held the overnight lead alongside Thompson.