Seoul: Ryu Hae-ran has fallen out of the lead in her bid for a third straight LPGA major title with one round remaining in England. Ryu dropped from first to a five-way tie for second at the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club in Lytham St Annes, England, after shooting three-over 74 in the third round.

According to Yonhap News Agency, at four-under 209, Ryu and four other players sit three shots behind Korean American Yealimi Noh, who posted a 69 on Saturday to reach seven-under 206. Ryu, the world No. 3, was atop the leaderboard alone through 36 holes at seven-under. She appeared in control after making birdies at the third and fourth holes. She exchanged a bogey at the fifth with a birdie at the next hole, giving her a four-shot lead.

However, Ryu's round took a downturn with five bogeys over the next eight holes as she struggled with bunker shots. Despite the setbacks, Ryu remains within striking distance of Noh with 18 holes to go. Ryu aims to become the first LPGA player since fellow South Korean Park In-bee in 2013 to win three consecutive majors in one season and only the fifth player to win three major titles in one year.

"Just a tough day today," Ryu commented afterward. "I already know I have won (two majors) so it is not too stressful." Ryu explained that she used to feel more pressure at majors after a poor round. However, with two major titles to her name, she remains calm and relaxed. She expressed relief at managing to walk away with bogeys on challenging holes.

When asked about her strategy for the final round, Ryu humorously replied, "No bunker." Ryu will play in the third-to-last pairing with Shiho Kuwaki of Japan. Noh will tee off in the final group with Esther Henseleit, seeking her first major title. World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul and Lucy Li of the United States will compete in the penultimate pairing.