World No1 Lydia Ko has shown her quality again with two under-par rounds at the World Ladies Championship in China, to lead the amateur honours heading into the final round.
New Zealand's teenage star, who has overcome brief a illness, is one of eight competitors vying for the amateur title at the new championship, and leads by one shot from Liu Yi-Chen (Chinese Taipei).
The 14-year-old from the North Shore Golf Club had two birdies and one bogey for her second successive one under par 71, to be tied for 17th in a field packed full of the best players in the world.
Ko, who earlier this year became the youngest winner in pro golf history, is only seven shots back from the leader, Ye Li Ying of China.
If Ko can secure the amateur title she would receive a number of tournament exemptions.
The leading amateur player who makes the cut in the World Ladies Championship will be offered a spot in the Lalla Meryem Cup, a Ladies European Tour event taking place from March 22- 25, at Golf de I'Ocean in Adadir Morocco.
The top amateur will also receive an invitation to play in the China Ladies Open on the China LPGA Tour, taking place during the second week of December.
