South Korea's Inbee Park shot a 1-under 70 to retain her spot on top of the leaderboard at 11 under at the Olympic golf competition in Rio, but she now has a serious challenger in world No. 1 Lydia Ko from New Zealand, who is only two shots back.
Ko came out on fire on the front nine, posting a 6-under 29 including a hole-in-one on the par-3 8th hole. She made par on all nine holes on the back side to post 65 for the day and move to 9 under for the week. Ko's round could have been even better with a few birdies on the back nine, but her front nine reminded everyone why she is the world's best.
Ko will play with Park on Saturday in a tremendous final group along with American Gerina Piller, who is also 9 under for the tournament but will not be the main attraction in the group. A Park-Ko duel is pretty close to the dream scenario for the tournament, as it puts one of the all-time best, Park -- 17 career wins, seven majors -- up against the young star in Ko -- 14 career wins, two majors.
Park had not played in an LPGA event since June as she's battled a thumb ligament issue in her left hand, but has been tremendous through three rounds in Rio. Park's future beyond the Olympics is not certain. If nothing else, she's leaving us with one more signature performance and the chance for an incredible duel on Saturday with Ko.
