Park takes Ochoa LPGA lead

Inbee Park, seeking a third victory of the year and trying to catch Stacy Lewis in the LPGA Player of the Year race, seized a two-shot lead at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational on Saturday.

South Korea's Park had six birdies -- three on the front nine and three on the back -- in her six-under 66 for a 54-hole total of 15-under par 201 at the Guadalajara Country Club.

She was two shots in front of American Cristie Kerr, who carded a 67 for 203. South Korea's So Yeon Ryu also posted a 67 for 204 and American Angela Stanford, who held a one-shot lead over Park going into the third round, posted a 72 for 205. Next came France's Karine Icher after a 69 for 207.

Lewis, ranked second in the world and coming off an LPGA-leading fourth title of the year in Japan last week, was tied for sixth on eight-under 208, alongside American Michelle Wie, Taiwan's Candie Kung and South Korean Hee Kyung Seo.

Lewis, who is trying to become the first US golfer to win the points-based Player of the Year award since Beth Daniel in 1994, carded a 71.

Park, who won the Evian Masters in France in July and the LPGA Malaysia last month and leads the LPGA Tour money list, would have to win this week and at next week's season finale to have a chance to pass Lewis for Player of the Year honors. (AFP)