Steinhauer looking for repeat win

American Sherri Steinhauer set her sights on a Weetabix British Open double following a superb third round of five under par 68 in the sunshine at Woburn.

The 36-year-old, who won in the rain and gales at Lytham last year, put together a six-birdie round to finish on nine under and a shot clear of compatriot Cindy McCurdy and Australian Fiona Pike.

Iben Tinning, the leader after both the first and second rounds, slipped to a 75 and shared fourth spot with Sweden's former world number one Annika Sorenstam at two off the lead on seven under 212.

The 25-year-old from Denmark was caught in a late afternoon downpour and dropped shots at the short 16th and the 17th.

Pike, a 34-year-old who has never won in four years as a professional, had a 71, while McCurdy climbed through the pack by matching playing partner Steinhauer's 68. Sorenstam, twice a runner-up but never a British Open winner, had a 72.

Helen Dobson was the leading British player but, at five back on four under 215, the Skegness player would need a heroic final day effort to have a chance of victory.

Yorkshire's Rebecca Hudson, in the top ten and just four off the lead at halfway, slipped slightly with a 75 for three under 216, but remained the leading amateur, three ahead of Becky Morgan from Wales.

Steinhauer, who dropped a shot by three-putting at the second before launching her attack, is aiming to become the first player since American Debbie Massey in 1981 to successfully defend the title.

"But I'm not thinking that far ahead," she said after holing out from five feet at the long 18th for a closing birdie. "There are a lot of good players behind."

Laura Davies, who set out before 8am, failed to make a move. Having qualified on the final mark, she shot 75 and finished on three over par 222.

"I just cannot play this golf course," complained the 1986 champion at Birkdale.

"I have tried very hard this week but nothing works. The trouble is that you miss the fairway by a foot and have got no shot."