Seo Kyo-rim shoots back-to-back 65s, leads by 3 heading into final round

Seo Kyo-rim fired back-to-back 7-under rounds to seize a four-stroke lead at the KLPGA Tour Inca Financial The Heaven Masters, which carries a purse of 1 billion won (about $656,000).

Playing in the rain Saturday at The Heaven Country Club's West-South Course (par 72, 6,726 yards) on Daebudo island in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, Seo carded nine birdies against two bogeys for a 7-under 65. She moved to 14 under par (130) through 36 holes, three clear of second-place Jang Eun-su.

Seo claimed her first career victory at the Celltrion Queens Masters two weeks ago and now has a prime opportunity to win for the second time this season. Over the first two rounds, she posted two eagles, 13 birdies and three bogeys for a combined 14-under performance.

In a post-round interview, Seo said winning for the first time had lifted a heavy burden from her mind. "After that first win, I feel like a big weight has been taken off my shoulders, and I'm much more at ease psychologically," she said. "The fact that I feel a lot less pressure when I play has been a huge help."

Seo acknowledged that a three-stroke cushion is no guarantee. "Golf is a game where anything can happen on the final day," she said. "But I really like the layout and style of this course — I think it suits my game well. If I just focus on my own play tomorrow, I think the result will take care of itself."

Jang Eun-su, who has yet to win on the regular tour, delivered a bogey-free round of six birdies to move into sole second place at 11 under (133).

"Being three shots back actually puts my mind at ease — if I were the outright leader, the pressure would have me more tense," Jang said. "Rather than forcing myself to think about winning, my goal for Sunday is to stay calm and chip away at the deficit one stroke at a time."

Seong Yu-jin and Song Eun-a each shot 5-under 67 to share third place at 10 under (134). Bang Shin-sil added a 3-under 69 to sit at 8 under (136), tied for sixth alongside Kim Min-byeol, Seong Eun-jeong and Jeon Ye-seong.