Akie Iwai 1 shot up on 8 challengers at Lotte Championship

(Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Akie Iwai produced her worst round of the tournament on Thursday but still emerged with the lead entering the final day of the Lotte Championship in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

The 23-year-old Japanese player shot a 1-under-par 71 in the third round at Hoakalei Country Club, ending up at 13-under 203 for a one-stroke edge.

Second-round leader Youmin Hwang of South Kore