Hull takes third-round lead at Australian Ladies Masters

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GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) -- Australian Katherine Hull shot a 4-under 68 on Saturday to take a three-shot lead after three rounds of the ANZ Australian Ladies Masters at Royal Pines.

Hull

Hull, an LPGA Tour regular who trailed by two strokes going into the third round, had a 54-hole total of 12-under 204. Australian Tamie Durdin was in second after a 66 Saturday, followed by American Mollie Fankhauser, who is four shots back after a 68.

"I believe I can win," Hull said after finishing with two birdies. "But there's some great names on the leaderboard, and I can't just expect it to happen."

Kristie Smith of Australia, who had seven straight birdies to start her round Friday and shot 62, had a 75 Saturday to slip into a five-way tie for fourth place, six shots behind Hull.

"It's hard to back up a 62," said Smith, daughter of former Australian touring pro Wayne Smith and in her fourth pro event.

"It was a bit of a scramble out there, especially when the breeze was up so hard today. I just couldn't keep it together ... just a bad day at the office."

Six-time Masters winner Karrie Webb (70-73-69) is eight shots behind Hull.

"I was pretty up and down today. I had seven birdies, which was good to see," Webb said. "I had a couple of careless bogeys, especially the one on the last. I'll ... have to shoot 63 or 64."

Japan Tour regular Nikki Campbell of Australia, who led by one stroke going into the third round, shot 78 and is also eight strokes behind.