Seo storms five strokes clear of Kia Classic field

At ten-under 206, she was five clear of Taiwan's Candie Kung, who also fired 69 in the third round.

"Five shots is a big lead, but there are lots of great players," Seo said. "I want to just play my game and not think about other things."

Seo is playing in her sixth LPGA tournament, and has won 11 times on the South Korean LPGA Tour. She said she would look back at her victories to help settle final-round jitters.

"In final rounds of every championship I have been a little bit nervous," Seo said. "I know what I have to do to win."

Michelle Wie shot a one-over 73 and was equal with China's Feng Shanshan for third place, six strokes back. Feng shot a 68, level for best round of the day with Cristie Kerr and Sweden's Anna Nordqvist.

"It was an interesting day out there," said Wie, who had two bogeys on the front nine. "The front nine was a bit tough for me. I was a bit unlucky in situations and I think I only hit one or two greens on the front nine."

Kung has won four times on the LPGA Tour and believes it is possible to catch Seo.

"If you get lucky out there," Kung said of her chances to win, "if you get the bounce that you need, the bounce in the hole, then you can catch her for sure."

Seo began the day with a one-stroke lead, but started her round with her second bogey of the tournament. She came back with four birdies, including a 20-foot birdie on the 16th.

"I was a little nervous on the first hole, but was trying to get relaxed," Seo said. "I started concentrating on my shots and played well on the back nine."

Scotland's Catriona Matthew was lying in 24th position going into the final round after a 74 on Saturday left her at one-over for the tournament.