Na Yeon Choi takes LPGA Malaysia lead

Na Yeon Choi takes LPGA Malaysia lead

Published Oct. 15, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

South Korea's Na Yeon Choi took a one-stroke lead over Brittany Lang on Saturday in the LPGA Malaysia, finishing off a 4-under 67 in fading light after a long rain delay.

Choi birdied the par-3 15th and par-4 16th and closed with two pars to reach 12 under at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Lang, tied for the second-round lead with fellow American Stacy Lewis, birdied four of the last six holes - the last on the par-4 18th at dusk - for a 69.

''The delays do bother me but I can't control the weather so I have to accept it and just keep going,'' Choi said after play was suspended for more than three hours.

''I played very well today, and I'm very satisfied. I'm very excited that I'm here, and then I'm going to look forward for tomorrow,'' she said.

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Choi is winless in 17 starts this season after winning twice in each of the last two years. She was second last week behind top-ranked Yani Tseng in South Korea and has five top-10 finishes in her last six events.

Lang is winless in six seasons on the tour.

Spain's Azahara Munuz was 10 under after a 68.

Tseng, a six-time LPGA Tour winner this season, had a 69 to match Lewis (72) and Se Ri Pak (65) at 8 under. Suzann Pettersen was 7 under after a 69, and Paula Creamer (69) and Michelle Wie (71) were another stroke back.

''I'm four shots back with one more day to go,'' Tseng said. ''This is a great golf course and I'll try to make more putts and see how the day goes. I made some good birdies today and I hope to continue doing that tomorrow.''

Defending champion Jamin Kang was 3 over after a 75.

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