18-year-old takes lead atMarathon Classic

SYLVANIA, Ohio— Nelly Korda birdied the final two holes for a 5-under 66 and a two-stroke lead Saturday in theMarathon Classic.

The 18-year-old Korda, the sister of LPGA Tour winner Jessica Korda and daughter of tennis major champion Petr Korda, had a 15-under 198 total at Highland Meadows. She opened with a 68 and had a 64 on Friday, the best score in the second round.

“There’s still 18 more holes and a lot of golf left to be played, so I’m just going to stay patient andseehowit goes,” Korda said. “Not really going to think about it too much. I’m not going to get ahead of myself. I’ve donethat a couple times this year, and I’m just going to take it shot by shot.”

“Whenyou end on a birdie, you’re just really excited to play the next day and get it doing, so I’m definitely excited,” Korda said.

In-Kyung Kim after a 68.

“I’ve been very consistent with my drive and second shot,” Kim said. “It is kind of tricky to hit hybrids into the greens and all of a sudden hitting wedge into the greens. Thatchangewasdifficult. But other than that, I feel really good about playing this golf course. I’ve always liked this golf course.”

Gerina Piller, the leader after each of the first two rounds, hada 70todropinto a tie for third at 12 under with U.S. Women’s Open champion Sung Hyun Park (67), Lexi Thompson (69), Sandra Changkija (65), Aditi Ashok (68) and Peiyun Chien (69).

“I’m not hitting the ball flight I would like,” Delray Beach’s Thompson said. “I’m actually hitting a little cut out there, but it’s just getting me around. I hit it very solid the last few days, so a lot of positives to take fromit.” was second