Thompson leads LPGA finale, Jutanugarn on roll

NAPLES, Florida — Lexi Thompson has control of the CME Group Tour Championship, and Ariya Jutanugarn is in control of just about everything else.

Thompson’s 4-under 68 on Saturday pushed her to 16 under after three rounds of the LPGA’s season-ending event. She moved three shots clear of Nelly Korda and six ahead of Carlota Ciganda at Tiburon Golf Club. Korda shot her second consecutive 67 to get to 13 under, and Ciganda ground out a 69 to get to 10 under for the week.

Thompson has been nearly flawless this week. Her only dropped shot of the tournament came on Saturday when she made bogey at the par-4 fourth hole, then put together five birdies over the rest of her round.

“Golf is all about momentum,” Thompson said. If she hangs on today, she’ll have her first win of the season.

Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., fired a 69 to finish the day tied for 16th at 5 under.

Jutanugarn will start her final round 10 shots back, but leading the projected Race to the CME Globe standings and in position to claim the $1-million US bonus for winning the LPGA’s season-long points race — which would be her second in three years.

So Yeon Ru (69 for the third straight day) and Marina Alex (71) are tied for fourth at 9 under, and Lydia Ko shot a bogey-free 68 on Saturday to move into a tie for sixth at 8 under with Brittany Lincicome (73).