Christina Kim, trying to win on the LPGA Tour for the first time in nine years, built a five-stroke lead heading to the final round of the Lorena Ochoa Invitational by shooting 4-under-par 68 on Saturday at Club de Golf Mexico in Mexico City.
The 30-year-old Kim, from San Jose, who has won twice on the circuit but not since the 2005 Mitchell Company Tournament of Champions, carded birdies on two of her first three holes to increase her one-shot lead.
Then she bounced back from her only bogey at No. 6 with three birdies on the back nine.
“Both of my victories, I came from behind, was in the second-to-last and third-to-last groups ” said Kim, who also won the 2004 Longs Drugs Challenge. “I’m just here to enjoy myself and really just go out and try and play some good golf and try to give the people of Mexico something to enjoy while we’re out here.
“I’ve just been really thoroughly enjoying myself. This is honestly one of my favorite countries on Earth. Between the tequila and the tacos and the guacamole, and just the wonderful mindset that the people have, they have such a lovely lifestyle. It’s just something that I really embrace.”
Shanshan Feng of China was alone in second after her own 68, while So Yeon Ryu of South Korea shot 67 and was six strokes back in a tie for third with Azahara Munoz of Spain and Pornanong Phatlum of Thailand, who both finished at 71.
Top-ranked Inbee Park of South Korea was another shot back in solo sixth after a 69, one stroke ahead of Brittany Lincicome, who also had a 69.
Paula Creamer, who was one shot behind Kim after 36 holes, did not make a birdie while struggling to a 76 and was tied for eighth with 17-year-old Lydia Ko of New Zealand, the 2014 LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year, who had a 74.
Defending champion Lexi Thompson was tied for 10th after a 70.
