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Nelly Korda takes lead heading into final round at Meijer LPGA Classic

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Nelly Korda of Westminster, Colorado hits from the 9th tee during the third round of the Meijer LPGA Classic golf tournament at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, MI, USA on Saturday, June 18, 2022. (Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Defending champion Nelly Korda bounced back after a slow start Saturday, making a 22-foot eagle putt on the 18th to secure a one-shot lead heading into the final round at the Meijer LPGA Classic.

Korda fired a 6-under 66 to finish at 18-under 198 at Blythefield Country Club in just her second start back after a prolonged absence from a blood clot in her left arm.

“I’m just happy to be out there playing again,” Korda said. “I’m in contention, but, again, I’ve been in this position before. Thankfully, I can lean on that.”

Fellow American Jennifer Kupcho shot a 69 to fall behind playing partner Korda by one stroke. Kupcho is coming off a landmark victory, securing her first LPGA Tour title in April at Mission Hills.

“The whole top of the leaderboard are all good players,” Kupcho said. “Anything can happen. Anything can happen on the back nine.”

Brooke Henderson and Lexi Thompson round out the top of the leaderboard, finishing the third round at 15-under and 14-under, respectively.

The Meijer LPGA Classic concludes on Sunday, airing on the Golf Channel starting at 3 p.m. ET.