Thompson storms into lead at U.S. Women's Open ahead of teenager Saso

Lexi Thompson soared into the outright lead at the U.S. Women's Open Championship with a five-under 66 to hold a one-stroke lead over Yuka Saso after the third round on Saturday.

Thompson had a bogey free round, birdieing five holes after beginning the third round in equal sixth at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

The 26-year-old American, currently ranked ninth in the world, has one major to her name, the 2014 ANA Inspiration, having been a U.S. Open runner-up in 2019.

Filipino teenager Saso had carded a four-under 67 on Friday to take the lead but only managed an even third round to slip from top spot.

The 19-year-old birdied the first hole on Saturday but had four bogeys, stalling her progress and allowing Thompson to move ahead of her.

The shot that set @Lexi up for birdie and the lead Watch the @uswomensopen now on @GolfChannel! pic.twitter.com/vVzXx1G4BG

— LPGA (@LPGA) June 6, 2021

Amateur Megha Ganne remains in contention four shots off the pace, at three-under despite a one-over 72 on Saturday.

Ganne is equal third with Korean Jeongeun Lee, with China's Shanshan Feng behind them in fourth on two-under.