SOUTHPORT, England (AP) – Jeong Jang shot a 3-under 69 to stretch her lead at the Women’s British Open to five strokes Saturday, while Annika Sorenstam grabbed a share of second place with a third-round 66.

The South Korean, seeking her first victory in her sixth season on the LPGA Tour, is 13-under 203 at the Royal Birkdale links, the best score through 54 holes since the tournament became a major five years ago. Sorenstam and Cristie Kerr (69) were both at 8-under 208.

Chasing her third major of the season and 10th overall, Sorenstam didn’t rule out her chances.

“We will see what happens,” said the Swede, who hasn’t had a bogey since the 13th hole in the opening round. “There’s a lot of golf holes out there left to be played and birdie opportunities. I am very happy with my round today and it was my best golf of the week.”

Jang, who began the day with a four-stroke lead, provided a few chances for those chasing her to make up some ground. She bogeyed the opening hole before recovering with five birdies. She just missed another birdie on the 18th when her 10-foot putt stopped inches short of the cup.

Among the five players at 7-under 209 is 15-year-old Michelle Wie, playing her last tournament before she returns to high school.

She posted her second 67 in a row after opening with a 75 in the wind and rain Thursday.

“I could have been a lot better but I’m happy with the way my score came out,” said Wie, who had six birdies. “I felt really good with my iron shots today. I just couldn’t putt.”

Level with Wie are Paula Creamer, the winner of last week’s Evian Masters who had seven birdies in a flawless 65, Liselotte Neumann (68) and 2000 British Open champion Sophie Gustafson (67) of Sweden and another Korean, Young Kim (67).

With the sun shining for the first time and fans and players wearing short-sleeve shirts, there was some spectacular scoring by players far out of the lead.

Becky Brewerton, who started out tied for 29th, birdied three of the last four holes for a 7-under 65.

Kris Tschetter, who began the day tied for 41st, covered the back nine in just 29 strokes, finishing eagle, birdie, birdie, eagle.

Laura Davies, winner of four majors and 66 career titles, finished birdie, eagle, eagle for a 66 to move to 4 under. On Friday, she birdied the final three holes en route to a 70.

AP-ES-07-30-05 1357EDT

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