Pettersen in pole position

World number three Suzann Pettersen holds a slender advantage at the Ladies Irish Open heading into the final round.

The Norwegian fired a second successive 69 at the Portmarnock Links to open a one shot lead over New Zealand's Lynn Brooky on six-under-par.

Pettersen's round included five birdies - with three in a row from the 11th hole - and just one bogey.

"I managed to put it close and make a few putts," said Pettersen, who was hit by heavy rain showers just after the turn. "It was a bit cold out there but you can have all four seasons in one hour here and ertainly we had all four seasons in 20 minutes."

Brooky carded a 66, the lowest round of the tournament, which included an eagle two on the par-four 18th where she holed out  from 161 yards.

"I was surprised it went straight in but it must have been a pure shot because it flew all the way," said the Kiwi.

Claire Coughlan-Ryan heads the Irish challenge but is well down the field on four-over while Martina Gillen is the only remaining Irish challenger.

"Today was much better," said Coughlan-Ryan. "I hit the ball well and luckily I made some putts today, which is what it's all about. I recognise a few faces in the crowd who are saying, "Come on Claire," so it's giving me a great boost."