Lydia Ko is in the hunt for the title in her first tournament of the season after a strong third round at the Saudi International on the Ladies European Tour.
The Kiwi world No 1 is one shot behind the lead, set by American Lilia Vu, at 17 under going into the final round at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.
Ko shot a bogey-free six-under 66 — which included birdies on the fifth, seventh, eighth, ninth, 10th and 17th — to follow up her opening-round 64 and 69 on day two.
After her round, Ko said she was relieved that her putting eventually got going after a few early misses.
“To see my birdie putt go in on five was definitely a big sigh of relief just because you know you’re playing well and you’re trying to stay patient, but your playing opponents are making a lot the birdies so you’re trying to be on that same momentum,” she said.