Choi leading Samsung by two

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Na Yeon Choi of South Korea shot a career best 9-under 63 on Saturday to take a two-stroke lead over compatriot Jiyai Shin in the Samsung World Championship at Torrey Pines.

Choi finished at 15-under 201 to tie the tournament’s three-round record that Annika Sorenstam set when she won here in 2002 and 2005.

Choi began the day three strokes behind second-round leader Shin, who shot a 68.

Choi has never won on the LPGA Tour, but has eight top-10 finishes this year, including a tie for ninth at the U.S. Women’s Open.

She made the turn at 30 after a stretch that included four birdies in five holes.

On the back nine, she added four birdies and a bogey at No. 15, a 419-yard par-4. Her approach was about 45 feet from the hole and she left her first putt 9 feet short then failed to convert the par attempt.

Shin, who has three LPGA Tour wins, kept her lead until she stumbled on the back nine, bogeying two out of the first three holes.

Ai Miyazato of Japan was in third three shots back after a third straight 68.

No. 1-ranked Lorena Ochoa of Mexico shot a 72 and was tied for fourth place with Paula Creamer, seven strokes back.

The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.