Ko takes one-stroke lead in Canadian Women’s Open

LYDIA Ko took a one-stroke lead yesterday in the Canadian Women’s Open in her bid to become the youngest winner in LPGA Tour history, shooting an even-par 72 in the third round.

The 15-year-old South Korean-born New Zealander had an eight-under 208 total at The Vancouver Golf Club.

Also trying to become the fifth amateur winner and first since JoAnne Carner in the 1969 Burdine’s Invitational, Ko won the US Women’s Amateur two weeks ago. In January, she won the New South Wales Open in Australia at 14 to become the youngest player to win a professional tour event.

Lexi Thompson is the youngest LPGA Tour winner, taking the Navistar LPGA Classic last September at 16.

Chella Choi is tied for second with Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park and Jiyai Shin. Lewis had a 66, Shin shot 69 and Park 70.