South Korean golfer Haeran Ryu established a new LPGA major tournament scoring record on Saturday, shooting an 11-under 60 during the third round of the Evian Championship at the Evian Golf Resort.
The performance secured a three-shot lead for Ryu as she pursues her second consecutive major title, following her victory at the Women's PGA Championship two weeks ago.
Ryu concluded her historic round at 18-under 194 overall, breaking the tournament's previous lowest round record of 61.
She now leads Japan's Aki Iwai, who holds second place after carding a 65.
Ryu carded nine birdies and an eagle during the par-71 round.
She realized the full scope of her accomplishment only after reviewing her final scorecard alongside her caddie at the closing hole.
"But after the putt and I counted my score with my caddie," said Ryu. "Oh my God, it's 11-under par today.
It was so amazing. My caddie says, 'Yep.'
I'm so happy right now."
The 60 stroke total surpassed the previous major record of 61, which was shared by Leona Maguire, Jeung-eun Lee6, and Hyo Joo Kim.
Ryu also highlighted her third-round performance on the front nine by holing out a 7-iron shot from 155 yards for an eagle on the par-4 sixth hole.
"That hole is a little tricky because little narrow and the green is little hilly.
So that's why I just want to make par on that hole," said Ryu. "I hit 7-iron there and then it's pretty good shot there.
I just walking towards (the green) and it's going in. So it was so happy and surprise there."
A victory on Sunday would make Ryu a double major winner this season alongside Nelly Korda.
This milestone comes shortly after Ryu returned from minor back surgery following the Kroger Queen City Championship.
"That is amazing, amazing dream," said Ryu.
"So I just want that one to come true, but we have one more day and Aki is pretty good player and everybody is so good player, so I just doing pretty well."
Iwai enters the final round trailing by three shots after recording 21 birdies throughout the week.
The Japanese player missed the cut at the tournament last year and expressed confidence regarding her positioning for Sunday's final round.
"Last year I missed the cut, and so I want revenge," said Iwai. "Really optimistic tomorrow.
I just keep going."
Behind the top two leaders, Brooke Henderson sits seven shots off the pace after a third-round 64, tied with Japan's Mao Saigo who shot a 67.
Overnight leader Lottie Woad of England dropped nine shots behind Ryu after finishing Saturday with a 1-over par 72.
