Japanese rookie Akie Iwai fired an eight-under par 64 to seize a two-stroke lead after Saturday’s third round of the LPGA Portland Classic.
The 23-year-old from Saitama, seeking her first LPGA victory, made seven birdies and an eagle against a lone bogey to stand on 18-under 198 after 54 holes at Edgewater Country Club.
Iwai began the back nine with birdies at the par-five 10th and 12th holes and added another at the par-three 13th to reach 17-under and lead by three strokes.
The tournament features a $2 million purse with $300,000 for the winner.
