Hannah Green has earned a real shot at winning a fourth LPGA Tour event after rocketing up the leaderboard during the third round of the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore.
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Green fired a second straight five-under 67 at Sentosa Golf Club to soar from tied for ninth to outright second entering Sunday's final round at the $US1.8 million ($A2.8 million), no-cut tournament.
At eight under, Australia's one-time major winner trails Japanese leader Ayaka Furue by two shots after amassing six birdies and dropping her only shot of the round on the par-4 11th hole.
"I didn't really hit many greens again today or fairways, but I managed to miss it in the right areas to give myself the best chance to make par," Green said.
"That was important today, as I'm not sure how the weather will be tomorrow.
"I knew I needed to make pars on certain holes and not be as aggressive and when I have wedge in my hand, try to go for the pin.
"My caddie and I do a good job of that. It can be tough. Even though I shot five under, it still felt like a lot of work compared to yesterday.
"I've put myself in good position for tomorrow."
Furue carded a 68 to move to 10 under and overtake playing partner and third-round leader Celine Boutier, of France, who could only manage an even-par 72 on Saturday.
World No.3 Boutier, who remains an outside chance of claiming the top ranking if she wins, shares third with American Andrea Lee (67).
Koreans Jin Young Ko (66) and Hye-Jin Choi (69), Taiwan's Peiyun Chien (70) and Japan's Nasa Hataoka (70) are in a four-way tie for fifth at six under.
They are one stroke ahead of world No.1 Lilia Vu (68), fellow American Sarah Schmelzel (71) and Canadian Brooke Henderson (70).
Runner-up in this event three years ago, Green is not the only Australian in the mix.
Grace Kim birdied five of her first six holes on Saturday in a round of 67 to climb to four under, six back from Furue, in a share of 12th.
But Steph Kyriacou slumped from joint fourth to equal 28th at even par following a disappointing third-round 76.
World No.4 Minjee Lee (72) is one shot further back in her first tournament of the year.
Australian Associated Press
