Choi surges to big Women's Open lead

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KOHLER, Wis., July 7 (UPI) -- Na Yeon Choi set a third-round record with a sizzling 7-under-par 65 Saturday, establishing a six-shot lead at the U.S. Women's Open.

Choi's 65 was the lowest-ever third-round score in tournament history and tied the mark for the third-lowest round ever at a U.S. Women's Open.

The world No. 5 finished 54 holes at Blackwolf Run in Wisconsin at 8-under 208, leaving her closest competitor, Amy Yang (3-under 69), in the dust at minus-2.

Seventeen-year-old phenomenon Lexi Thompson fell into a tie for third place after managing an even-par 72. There she was joined by Mika Miyazato (73) and Sandra Gal (74) at 1-under 215.

Second-round leader Suzann Pettersen, meanwhile, stumbled to a 6-over 78 thanks in part to a pair of double-bogeys.

She ended in a seventh-place tie at 1-over with Paula Creamer (71), Inbee Park (76) and Cristie Kerr (77), Lizette Salas (75) and Nicole Castrale (76).