Creamer leading the pack at the women's US Open

Paula Creamer sank a three-foot birdie putt at the 18th to complete a one-under-par 70 round that gave her a three-shot lead heading into last nigtht's final round of the US Women's Open.

The 23-year-old American, one of 33 players who made an early morning return to Oakmont Country Club to finish the round in the storm-hit championship, had a one-under-par 212 total in her chase for a maiden major title.

American veteran Wendy Ward was alone in second on two-over 215 after parring the last hole to complete her 70. Tied for third on three over par were former LPGA Championship winner Suzann Pettersen of Norway (72), American Christina Kim and 20-year-old Amy Yang of South Korea (71). Fifteen-year-old American Alexis Thompson, playing her first major as a professional, was one more shot away on 217.

This is only the fifth tournament this season for Creamer, who has eight LPGA Tour titles to her credit, after surgery to repair ligament damage to her left thumb. She played with it bandaged. Players went off in threesomes from the first and tenth holes for the final round.