Golf: Ko sits second in California

Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, hits from the bunker on the 12th hole. Photo / AP.

Lydia Ko has been knocked off the top of the ANA Inspiration golf major's leaderboard.

Overnight leader America's Lexi Thompson made a stunning eagle on the par five 18th to card a three under 69, and be 10 under for the tournament.

After missing a birdie-putt to take the outright lead at the 18th, Ko carded a third round three under 69 and is a shot off the lead in a three-way tie for second.

Ko says she's still struggling with the green speed.

"I felt like I struck the ball much better today and I hit a few fairways," said Ko.

"The less time you spend in the rough the better and I felt like today I was able to control my shots and especially around a course like this, it's good to have that."

Ko is aiming to win her second consecutive major after winning the Evian Championship towards the end of last season in France.