American Lizette Salas takes two-shot lead in Women's Australian Open

American Lizette Salas shot a 2-under 71 on Saturday to take a two-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Women's Australian Open in Adelaide, Australia.

The 27-year-old Salas, with a 10-under total of 209 at Royal Adelaide Golf Club, leads hometown favorites Su Oh and Sarah Jane Smith and Pornanong Phatlum of Thailand.

Salas, who was a two-time All-American at USC, was 1 over after the front nine but made birdies on the 14th and 15th holes and another on the par-5 17th before sinking a par-saving six-foot putt on the final hole.

''I started to think whether or not I tied my hair up too tight, or whether I should take off my sweater,'' Salas joked about her slow start. ''I didn't get a start that I wanted to but today I felt like even par literally felt like under par. I rolled in a few putts when I needed to."

Salas, a California native, is a two-time Solheim Cup veteran and hopes to make it onto her third U.S. roster this August. She is currently 24th in the USA Solheim Cup points standings as she seeks her second LPGA Tour win.

Salas also is looking for her first win in three years, her first victory overseas and her first win in front of her father.

"It would be such an honor, and it would be my first win overseas, my first win with my dad here," said Salas, whose only LPGA Tour victory came in the 2014 Kingsmill Championship, "He wasn't there (in 2014), he was watching on the television. So, it would mean a lot. To bounce back from the year that I had last year, it would mean a lot.

"On 18 my hands were a little numb, so I was just trying to relax and stay patient. We'll just take it shot for shot tomorrow. It's been a while since I've been in this position but I'm going to embrace it and just have fun."

The South Korean-born Australian Oh had the low round of the day with a 68. She shares second place after 54 holes with fellow Australian and 36-hole leader Smith (74) and Phatlum (73). All three are seeking their first win on the LPGA Tour.

Defending champion Haru Nomura of Japan had a second consecutive 69 and was in a group four shots back in a tie for seventh.

World No. 1 Lydia Ko of New Zealand was at even par and tied for 35th after a 73. No. 2-ranked Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand, the LPGA's Player of the Year and a five-time winner in 2016, shot a 71 and was at 4 under, tied for 14th.

American Michelle Wie, who has been dealing with back spasms, struggled with a 76 and was eight strokes back at 2 under.