Pak On a Tear in Farr Owens Corning Classic

Pak Se-ri (30, CJ) is the favorite to win the U.S. LPGA Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic.

Pak Se-ri recorded a 13 under par 200 in the third round of the tournament, notwithstanding the fierce winds. She had four birdies and two bogies in the round.

Pak, who was the 27th golfer to record a score in the 60s in the tourney, will grab her first win of the season and her 24th championship overall if she hangs on to win. She will be the third player to win the same tournament five times after Mickey Wright (Sea Island Open) and Annika Sorenstam (Mizuno Classic, Samsung World Championships).

She will also be eligible to enter the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Hall of Fame with 100 Hall of Fame points. She will be the second golfer to be inducted after Ku Ok-hee in 2004.

"The circumstances were not always easy, but I think I pulled myself through fairly well. I cannot wait to take off my gloves to hold the championship trophy after the final hole," said Pak.

Morgan Pressel (U.S.) and Kim In-kyung, who are both 19 years old, also showed solid performances.

Pressel, who won the Nabisco Championship in April, has a score of 202 at 11 under par, and is just two shots behind Pak.

Kim shot seven straight birdies in the first seven holes and tied an LPGA record of just 27 shots in nine holes. She rose to third from 14th with the performance.

Park Jin-young, who was second the day before, gave away three hits and is now tied for the 15th spot (with a three under par 210). Kim Mi-Hyun, who was last year`s champion, could not lower her score and is in 24th (with a score of one under par 212).

kjs0123@donga.com