Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko has backed up her impressive start to the LPGA's ANA Inspiration with a consistent third round to see her finish in a tie for seventh - eight shots off the lead.
The 2016 champion started the day in a tie for sixth after a two-under opening round before backing that up with a three-under 69.
Ko carded a one-under 71 in the third round that included two birdies and a bogey to be in the hunt at the year's first Major.
After a colourful opening two rounds that included 10 birdies, eight bogies and an eagle, Ko produced a much more consistent round.
Starting on the front nine, the Kiwi started with seven pars before a poor chip shot saw her drop a shot on the par-three eighth.
The two-time Major champion bounced straight back with a birdie on the long par-five to have her even-par at the halfway stage of her round.
The 23-year-old continued her consistent day with eight straight pars before she finished her round on a high.
On the 485-metre par-five, Ko produced a stellar iron shot that landed inches short of the cup to give the Kiwi an easy birdie put that she dually finished.
Ko sits in a four-way tie for seventh, alongside Mexican Gaby Lopez, Thailand's Moriya Jutangarn and South Korean duo Jin Young Ko and Sei Young Kim.
Tournament leader Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit meanwhile has extended her lead, moving out to 14-under, holding a five-stroke lead over second-placed American Ally Ewing, who is nine-under after her third round.
