Kyriacou holds slender advantage at the Evian

Australia’s Stephanie Kyriacou will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Evian Championship in pursuit of a first major title.

Kyriacou birdied the last in a third round of 67 to finish 14 under par and edge ahead of American Lauren Coughlin and Ayaka Furue, with Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn another three strokes back on 10 under.

Coughlin holed from 25 feet for an eagle on the ninth and 18 feet for another on the 18th in her 65, with halfway leader Furue only able to add a 70 to previous back-to-back rounds of 65.

Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh, who held a share of the lead after an opening 64, completed the last nine holes of her delayed second round on Saturday morning in one over to return a 71, and added another 71 in round three to remain seven under.

“I was pretty tired after a pretty early morning and obviously 27 holes today,” Dryburgh admitted. “Hopefully I’ll come back with more energy tomorrow.

“I felt like I struck some shots well but didn’t quite get the right clubs today. Maybe got a couple of clubs wrong.

“Apart from that I was pretty happy overall. My putting probably wasn’t as hot as the first day and hopefully I can give myself a bit more chances tomorrow.”

England’s Georgia Hall recovered from playing her first four holes in three over par to return a third round of 71 and stay six under par.