Promising Thai star Phatlum Pornanong will carry a 3-shot lead into the final round of the Hitachi Ladies Classic, in quest of her second victory at the Orient Golf & Country Club after two years.

It was not the best day for the LPGA-based young Thai as she made three bogeys out of the last five holes and finished at even-par, but her impressive 67 first round was enough for her to stay in lead.

“I let the wind get to me on the back nine. Swings getting a bit tense and I feel I could sure do a few things better.”

Pornanong is now leading second-placed compatriot Kongkraphan Patcharajutar by three stoke. “Kongkraphan hits with really good distance and aggression, but with my lead, I think I’m playing it safe tomorrow at first and see how I’m going to respond,” said Pornanong.

Taiwanese Tour rookie Hsu Wei-Ling (徐薇淩) hit a 3-under 69 which was the lowest for today. She’s tied for third with Phoebe Yao (姚宣榆) with a total score of 143.

This is only Hsu’s fourth professional tournament. She had two top-15 finishes at the end of 2012 season, and improved to a fifth standing at last week’s TLPGA&Royal Open. “I hope I can go a step further into the top 3.” Hsu said.

Defending titlist and local favorite Teresa Lu (盧曉晴) scored a 1-under 71 today with total of 141 and is still within striking distance with the leaders, tying with Liu Yi-Chen (Babe) (劉依貞), amateur Peng Chieh (彭婕), American Tiffany Tavee and Thai Nontaya Srisawang for fifth.

55 players with score of 154 or lower have made it to the final day, including three amateur players. The winner will receive a NT$2.5 million prize check.