Jennifer Kupcho was co-leader after the first round and now sits six shots clear of the event's defending champion Patty Tavatanakit
Sunday 3 April 2022 08:07, UK
American Jennifer Kupcho will take a six-stroke lead into the final round of the Chevron Championship after setting a tournament-record total of 16-under 200 on Saturday.
Kupcho tallied eight birdies on the first 12 holes and finished the round on eight-under 64.
Chevron's defending champion, Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit, trailed behind her on 10 under.
World No 1 Jin Young Ko was far down the leaderboard on even par.
The Chevron Championship is the first women's major of the year. If Kupcho can keep her edge in the final round to win for the first time on the LPGA Tour.
Kupcho also matched her lowest tour score, hitting all but one fairway and three greens in regulation on the tree-lined layout.
"It's really special, just to be out here," Kupcho said. "I love this place. I love stepping on property. You just get positive vibes. It's such a beautiful course, so I think just taking it all in. But then again, just once it's time to hit a shot, focusing on that shot.
"Everything was working, I mean, seriously, this week I think my putting is definitely the props. I have putted really well and you got to make putts in a major championship."
Defending champion Tavatanakit, playing alongside Kupcho in the second-to-last group, was second after a 70. The Thai player declined to comment after the round.
The major is going by a new name this year after previously being known as the Nabisco Dinah Shore, the Kraft Nabisco Championship and the ANA Inspiration.
Chevron increased the total purse to $5 million, with the winner being paid out $750,000, but the tournament will move the major away from its iconic California desert home next year.
Each year, the winner of the Chevron Championship jumps into Poppie's Pond, a tradition that began with Amy Alcott in 1983.
What time does The Masters coverage start? What extra feeds are available? How can I follow the action from Augusta National? Our guide to watching the opening men's major of the year live on Sky Sports Golf.
Monday April 4
1700-1900 - On the Range LIVE!
1900-2200 - Live from The Masters
Tuesday April 5
1400-2200 - Live from The Masters
Wednesday April 6
1400-1900 - Live from The Masters
1900-2230 - The Masters: Par-3 contest LIVE!
Thursday April 7
1400-1930 - Featured Groups LIVE!
1930-0030 - The Masters: Day one LIVE!
Red button (exact timings TBC) - 1330 On the Range, 1430 Holes 4-6, 1545 Amen Corner, 1645 Holes 15-16, 1830 Featured Groups
Friday April 8
1400-1930 - Featured Groups LIVE!
1930-0030 - The Masters: Day two LIVE!
Red button (exact timings TBC) - 1330 On the Range, 1430 Holes 4-6, 1545 Amen Corner, 1645 Holes 15-16, 1830 Featured Groups
Saturday April 9
0900-1200 - Masters Breakfast LIVE!
1500-1930 - The Masters build-up LIVE!
1930-0030 - The Masters: Day three LIVE!
Red button (exact timings TBC) - 1515 Featured Groups, 1530 Holes 4-6, 1600 On the Range, 1645 Amen Corner, 1730 Holes 15-16
Sunday April 10
0900-1200 - Masters Breakfast LIVE!
1500-1830 - The Masters build-up LIVE!
1830-0030 - The Masters: Day four LIVE!
Red button (exact timings TBC) - 1515 Featured Groups, 1530 Holes 4-6, 1600 On the Range, 1645 Amen Corner, 1730 Holes 15-16
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