Sei Young Kim Holds Two-Stroke Lead After Round 3

LOS ANGELES — Sei Young Kim of South Korea clung to a two-stroke lead after the third round of the JM Eagle LA Championship on Saturday, salvaging her position with a crucial up-and-down on the 18th green at El Caballero Country Club despite a late collapse that included four consecutive bogeys.

Kim, who entered the day with a one-stroke advantage, fired a 1-under 71 to reach 15 under for the tournament. She built an eight-shot cushion with five holes remaining, starting strong by birdieing the par-5 first and the odd-numbered holes on the front nine, capped by a 20-foot putt on the par-3 ninth. However, bogeys on holes 14 through 17 eroded her lead, with a water hazard on the 16th after an aggressive shot at a tough pin placement. "It feels like a rollercoaster," said the 33-year-old Kim, who holds 13 LPGA Tour victories, including the 2020 KPMG Women's PGA Championship. "It's golf. It can happen again. Mistake and then learn."

The stumble opened the door for challengers in the final tune-up before next week's Chevron Championship, the first women's major of the season in Houston. Two-time defending champion Hannah Green of Australia carded a 67 to join Suvichaya Vinijchaitham,...