All smiles for Lee as she eyes final charge at Hana Financial Group Championship 03:30, 28/09/2023

Lee, the runner-up of the 2021 edition, sandwiched five birdies between a pair of bogeys on the second and 17th holes at the Bear's Best Cheongna Golf Club in Incheon. She reached the 54-hole mark at six-under-par 210.

Kim Su-ji is on the brink of successfully defending her title after shooting a 68, leading with an eight-under-par 208, one shot ahead of overnight leader Choi Hye-jin, who carded a 71.

However, Kim faces stiff competition with compatriots Lin Ju-yeon, Jo Hye-lim, and Lee Da-yeon sitting just three shots back in joint fourth, while Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit is in a group of three players tied for seventh on 212.

Lee was pleased to stay on course for a back-to-back victory after winning the Kroger Queen City Championship a fortnight ago.

"Today, I had a good front nine, and up-and-down on the back nine. Overall, it was a pretty solid day. It's actually hard to make birdies out here on the back nine. I feel like I hung in there and finished with a three-under," she said.

"I'll be playing in the last group; it's going to be a challenge, but it will be fun."

Patty, who carded a 72, was, meanwhile, relieved to have survived a challenging day as she explained she had struggled with the tough pin positions.

"The pins were particularly difficult today. I hung in there and tried to maintain momentum, but nothing seemed to work out," Patty said.

"For tomorrow, I'll take it one shot at a time and enjoy the process."

Compatriot Jaravee Boonchant slipped to tied 26th after battling to a 76, while Bianca Pagdanganan of the Philippines returned with a 74 to be tied for 35th on 218.