Kerr in position to win U.S. Women's Open

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Cristie Kerr is feeling a sense of calm only a former U.S. Women's Open champion could understand.

Armed with the knowledge of what it takes to win the championship, the 2007 winner is set to make a push for another title.

Kerr scrambled for a 1-over 72 Saturday and pulled away from struggling playing partner Paula Creamer and built a two-shot lead over Eun Hee Ji of South Korea after three rounds of the Women's Open.

Kerr was the only player with a sub-par score — 2-under 211 — after three rounds on the narrow fairways and speedy, undulating greens of Saucon Valley Country Club.

Now, Kerr, who won at Pine Needles in '07, is in a position to claim her second title in three years. She's looking forward to the fourth-round challenge and playing in the lead.

"There really isn't a better place for me," the 12-time LPGA Tour winner said after two birdies and three bogeys. "I love this golf course.

"I feel good. I'm sure there's going to be some nerves in the morning. But I've been there. I know I can handle it."

Futures Tour player Jean Reynolds is an unlikely challenger for the title despite two wins in the developmental tour this year.

The 24-year-old from Georgia started two strokes back and was one off the lead before stumbling down the stretch. She closed with a bogey at the 15th and back-to-back bogeys at 17 and 18 on the way to a 3-over 74. She's tied for third at 2-over 215 with Teresa Lu of Taiwan, who had a 1-under 70.

Reynolds is anxious to make a run at the title in just her second Open.

"I love being in the hunt on Sunday," the Futures Tour leading money winner this season said. "I just enjoy having the chance to win ... and if I stumble, I try not to let it get to me."

DEERE CLASSIC: At Silvis, Ill., Steve Stricker has vaulted into second place at the John Deere Classic, tying a course record and matching the lowest score of his career with a 10-under 61 that left him three strokes behind Darron Stiles through two rounds.

Stiles (65), the first-round co-leader with Lee Janzen, remained on top at 13-under 129. Stricker, however, stole the show on a sunny day at TPC Deere Run.