Kim claims three-shot Orlando lead

South Korean Mi Hyun Kim and Japanese rookie Ai Miyazato, two of the smallest players in women’s golf, dodged the wind to head the field after today’s third round of the Ginn Open at the Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Kim birdied the last for a 69 and an 11-under par 205 total, while Miyazato had a 70 for second place on eight under 208.

American Solheim Cup star Christina Kim was in third place on six under after a 69, while Australia’s Karrie Webb, the former world number one, continued her impressive comeback by also firing a 69 for five under.

Janice Moodie remained the best of the British players in a tie for 24th place after a 73, and she was a shot ahead of Joanne Morley, who had a fine 71 in the tough conditions.

Kim is just 5ft 1ins tall, but she is already a five-time winner in America. “I don’t hit it long, but I’m accurate and that helps in these conditions,” she said after a day of strong, swirling winds. “And I’m not sure if Ai is taller than me – maybe just a little bit.”

Miyazato, 20, is a huge star back home where she has won 11 times in the past two years. If she wins her first LPGA title tomorrow she admitted that her country “will go crazy”.

Kim and Miyazato were actually tied for the lead playing the 18th, but the South Korean made birdie while the Japanese player three-putted for a double-bogey and a three-shot swing.