Japan's Nasa Hataoka remained on top of the leaderboard Saturday at the LPGA Tour Championship and will head into the final day of the season-ending event tied at 21-under with Amy Yang of South Korea.
The 24-year-old Hataoka fired a bogey-free 7-under 65 with seven birdies in her pursuit of the $2 million first prize at Tiburon Golf Club's Gold Course in Naples, Florida.
"I was glad I could play aggressively and improve my score," Hataoka said.
"The wind was strong, which made it hard to read, but I had good communication with my caddy. I want to continue attacking rather than playing it safe on the final day."
Yang, who started the day one stroke back in a tie for third, climbed up the leaderboard thanks to a 64 that included four birdies over the final six holes.
Joint overnight leader Alison Lee of the United States carded 68 to drop three shots off the pace into outright third.
Hataoka, a six-time winner on the tour, has had a share of the lead since the opening day, when she shot the equal-lowest round of the tournament at 63, before following with a second-round 67.
Among other Japanese players, Ayaka Furue was tied for 11th at 12-under, while Yuka Saso was a further two shots back tied for 17th.
Related coverage:
Golf: Nasa Hataoka maintains share of lead at U.S. LPGA season finale
Golf: Hataoka, Yin share 1st-round lead at U.S. LPGA season finale
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