Paula Reto produced the second-best round of the day on Saturday as she eased her way into the top 10 with a six-under-par 66 in the third round of the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links in Troon.

But for a late bogey on the 15th hole, she would have been on 10-under-par in sixth place. As it stood after she had made seven birdies through 14 holes, she was still in sixth place on none-under, three strokes behind world number one Nelly Korda, who was on 12-under after she also signed for a 66.

Up front, it was the seemingly unstoppable Lotti Woad of England, who carded a five-under 67 to ease out to 17-under-par through 54 holes and a two stroke lead over Sei Toung Kim of Korea and Norway’s Nana Koerstz  Madsen. Hyo Joo Kim of Korea was fourth on 14-under.

Reto went out in six-under 30 to get herself into the position she eventually finished in. “The front nine was sort of just making birdies, good shots, good routines, stuff like that, and also a little less windy,” she said. “The back nine was a bit windier and obviously a tougher stretch.

“So I just told myself, give myself some chances and even par is a good score, but it was nice to come off a good nine into the back nine knowing it’s a bit tougher, sort of keep that momentum going.

“Putting was really good for me today. I saw the lines a lot better today. And I didn’t have like sort of tap-ins. They were from 15 to 20 foot. I definitely saw the line. The putter was working. I feel like when the putter is working, its easier. That was good. Hopefully I can give myself some more chances tomorrow.”

Reto will want a good finish in the final round, as she is not yet into the following week’s AIG Women’s Open, the final major championship of the year. “I’m going to give myself some chances tomorrow,” she said. “You know, I’m really far from winning or whatever. So I’m just going to give myself opportunities and see if I can finish my best.

“I told myself at the beginning of the week, I’m in the Scottish Open and I’m going to make that my main priority. If I get into the AIG by my finish, great, and if not I’m going to do the qualifying like I planned. It’s in my head. I know I’ll have another opportunity on Monday to do it. I think they are giving 12 spots.”