Catriona Matthew shot rounds of 74 68 and 73 and was midway in the field of 20 with 18 holes to play at the Samsung Women’s World Championship at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California.

The Scot earned her place thanks to her magnificent win in the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes in August and was on one under par and tied for 11th in the elite field.

As is becoming customary in women’s golf, Asian players dominated proceedings. South Korea’s Na Yeon Choi shot a superb third round 63 over the tough course to lead on 15 under par.

She was one ahead of the compatriot JIyai Shin, who heads the LPGA Tour money list, with Japan’s Ai Miyazato in third spot in 12 under par.

Catriona is the only British player in the field, while the leading European was Swede Sophie Gustafson on four under par following a third round 75.