LYTHAM ST. ANNES, United Kingdom (AFP) — Yealimi Noh takes a three-shot lead into Sunday's final round of the women's British Open after a third-round 69 fired the American to seven under par.

Ryu Hae-ran's bid for a third consecutive major faltered after a bright start, but she is among a chasing pack of five at four under.

Noh's bid for a first major appeared to be stumbling at Royal Lytham and St Annes when she bogeyed three of her opening seven holes.

But the 25-year-old bounced back as others struggled on the back nine, with four birdies at the 9th, 10th, 11th and 16th to move into a commanding position.

"It was a little bit of a rocky start, but my putting was solid and my shots too," Noh said.

"I just settled into a better routine and focused on my tempo on the back nine.”

"It's just another round of golf out there tomorrow, and I'm going to enjoy it. I'm just happy to be in this position and ready to go again."

Overnight leader Ryu looked to be closing in on becoming just the fifth woman to win three consecutive majors.

The South Korean briefly led by five shots after reaching nine under when she was two under for the day through six holes.

However, the PGA Championship and Evian champion then produced five bogeys in eight holes.

Japan's Shiho Kuwaki had a similarly roller-coaster round with two birdies and four bogeys to also finish on four under par.

They are joined by world number two Jeeno Thitikul, Lucy Li and Esther Henseleit.

England's Lottie Woad is seventh on three under with Charley Hull, Minami Katsu, Chanettee Wannasaen and Ayaka Furue a stroke further back.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda's shot at a third major this year looks over after a 73 left the American at one over par for the tournament.