Smith leads, Korda tied for 2nd in Fla.

Smith leads, Korda tied for 2nd in Fla.

Published Dec. 10, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

Florida teen Jessica Korda shot a 6-under 66 on Friday to move within a stroke of leader Libby Smith after the third round of the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament.

Smith had a 73 on LPGA International's Champions Course to finish at 7-under 209.

The 17-year-old Korda, playing as an amateur, had a bogey-free round on the Legends Course to match Aree Song at 6 under. Korda is the daughter of former tennis star Petr Korda.

''I've been waiting for the birdies to start dropping,'' said Korda, runner-up at this year's U.S. Women's Amateur Championship and a member of the winning 2010 U.S. Curtis Cup team. ''I knew if a couple of putts dropped, it was going to be good.''

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Because of the tour's age restrictions, if Korda qualifies Sunday, she will seek special permission from Commissioner Mike Whan to play as a professional next year.

Song had a 71 on the Legends Course, holing a 7-iron shot from 145 yards for an eagle on the par-4 10th Jimin Jeong has fourth at 5 under after a 73 on the Champions Course.

The top 20 players in the five-round event will earn full 2011 exemptions.

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