Maja Stark Leads U.S. Women's Open Final Round at Erin Hills

Sweden's Maja Stark leads the 80th U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills after a steady third-round 70, holding a one-stroke advantage over Spain's Julia Lopez Ramirez heading into the final round. Stark, who has six Ladies European Tour wins and one LPGA victory, is chasing her first major title and aims to be the first European and Swede to win this championship since Annika Sorenstam in 2006. The challenging course conditions on Saturday, including firm greens and tricky pin placements, caused many players, including the previous leader Mai Saigo, to struggle and drop back. Japan's Mai Saigo, who started with a three-shot lead, finished the round with a 75, now tied for third alongside compatriots Rio Takeda and Hinako Shibuno. World No. 1 Nelly Korda, despite a tough front nine, rallied late to remain in contention at four under. Stark expressed that the difficulty of the course helped lessen her anxiety, allowing her to play more freely, which may be crucial in her pursuit of her first major victory.