Feng in driver's seat to keep No. 1 over Lexi, S.H. Park

In the major subplot at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, Shanshan Feng moved into position Saturday to hold off Lexi Thompson and Sung Hyun Park and hold on to the Rolex world No. 1 ranking.

Feng is just 98 thousandths of a point ahead of Thompson in average world ranking points.

Feng posted a 1-under-par 71 in the third round, leaving her at 5 under overall, tied for 22^nd and 10 shots off the lead.

Thompson shot 72 and is even par overall, 15 shots off the lead and five shots behind Feng.

Full-field scores from the HSBC Women’s World Championship

Park put up a 69 to move to 6 under overall, but Park’s problem is she can only get to No. 1 by winning Sunday. She’s nine shots off the lead.

Thompson can still move to No. 1 for the first time in her career with a strong finish Sunday. The scenarios are complex, but Feng makes it simple staying ahead of Thompson on the scoreboard. Feng will assure she stays No. 1 by finishing ahead of Thompson, so long as Park doesn’t pull a final-round miracle and win.