McKay is made to struggle in the wind

Mhairi McKay, who was four shots ahead at halfway, slipped to three strokes behind after a disappointing third-round 75 in the US Women's Open at Pumpkin Ridge, Oregon.

On two-under 211, the Scot was still in joint third place and in contention for the biggest prize in women's golf. Hilary Lunke, a 24-year-old American who has never finished an event higher than 15th, shot 68 for five-under 208 and led by one from the 25-year-old Texan Angela Stanford, who had a 69. McKay was in a group of four in third place with world No 1 Annika Sorenstam, who hit 67, the best score of a windy day.

McKay dropped three shots in the first six holes but produced a strong finish including a birdie from inside a foot at the 17th. "I didn't feel I played too badly but I got a little tricked out by the wind," said the 28-year-old, whose only professional win came in the Australian Open in March. "But I'm going to stay positive and I'm already looking forward to tomorrow. Hopefully, this is my one bad round and at least I'm still in the hunt."

England's Karen Stupples shot 72 to move into the top 20 on five-over 218. Other Britons were Kirsty Taylor (73 for 229), Catriona Matthew (76 for 220), Becky Morgan (75 for 224) and Suzanne Strudwick (83 for 228).