Korda defies brutal conditions, grabs lead

MIAMI (AFP) — Nelly Korda overcame brutal conditions to fire an eight-under par 64 and grab a three-stroke lead in Saturday's weather-halted third round of the season-opening LPGA Tournament of Champions.

Korda made seven birdies, an eagle and only one bogey in cold and windy conditions to finish 54 holes on 13-under 203 at Lake Nona Country Club in Orlando, Florida.

"It's going to throw everything at you; everyone is in the same boat and you really have to dial in on your targets," Korda said.

The 27-year-old American has not won since taking the LPGA Annika event in November 2024, the last of her seven 2024 LPGA victories. She had nine top-10 efforts without a victory in 2025.

Winds began to blow putts off the green at the par-three 17th hole and play was halted for the day with six contenders still on the course.

South Korea's Amy Yang was second on 10-under after birdies at 13, 15 and 16 to stand three-under on the round with two to play.

Wind blew an 18-foot putt by South Korean Hwang You-min off the green at the 17th just before the horn halted play with her sharing third on eight-under alongside New Zealand's Lydia Ko.

Co-leader after 36 holes, Ko made bogey at the 12th and double bogey at the par-three 13th to stumble back before holing out from a bunker to birdie 14.