Rookie Sei Young Kim moves into LPGA lead in Hawaii

LPGA rookie Sei Young Kim defied gusty winds to fire a two-under par 70 and move into the lead at the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii.

The South Korean, who notched her first victory on tour in just her second start at the Pure Silk-Bahamas earlier this season, had shared the overnight lead with compatriot In-Kyung Kim.

But a third round that included five birdies and three bogeys saw her edge ahead by one stroke with a 12-under par total of 204.

Kim In-Kyung had four birdies and three bogeys in her one-under 71, while world No 3 Inbee Park is a further stroke back after a three-under par 69.

Two more South Koreans occupied fourth and fifth, Jenny Shin posting a two-under 70 and Chella Choi signing for a 71.

Defending champion Michelle Wie was eight adrift after a one-over 73, part of a group of six players on four-under.

Sei Young Kim said she will try to avoid putting any extra pressure on herself having blown a three shot lead going into the final round of the ANA Inspiration major earlier this month.

"I felt a lot of nerves during that tournament," she said. "But I'm going to try to do the same thing I've done the past three days here and try to enjoy the rounds.

"I think I'm going to be able to come out with a different outcome."

Meanwhile, In-Kyung Kim admitted the conditions were difficult, adding: "It was tough wind, but I was hitting the ball kind of everywhere, especially on the tee.

"I didn't know what was happening. I was pushing it to the right a few times and I was (feeling) pressure reading my putting on the greens."

In-Kyung, who is chasing a fourth LPGA title but her first since 2010, added was looking forward to the challenge.

"I've been playing well the last few weeks and working very hard this offseason," she said. "Where I'm at now, I'm very comfortable, actually."