Saso drops to 27th spot after a two-over 74

MANILA, Philippines — Yuka Saso carded a two-over par 74 in challenging, wet conditions in Saturday’s third round as she slipped to joint 27th in the AIG Women’s Open in Carnoustie, Scotland.

Just two down halfway through, Saso found herself facing a six-shot deficit going to the final 18 holes after struggling with a 37-37 round at the soaked Carnoustie Golf Links on moving day.

The US Women’s Open champ, who had previous scores of 68 and 71, stumbled with bogeys on Nos. 2, 10 and 12 before firing her lone birdie on the 14th.

Saso missed eight of the 15 fairways and reached the greens in regulation only 10 times. She needed 30 putts to finish her round en route to a 54-hole tally of three-under par 213.

Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist, who sizzled with a week-best 65, and Denmark’s Nana Koerstz Madsen, who submitted an eagle-aided 68, vaulted into the top spot at nine-under 207.

American Lizette Salas (70) stood one behind at 208 followed by Finland’s Sanna Nuutinen (68), Sweden’s Madelene Sagstroem (69), the US’ Alexis Thompson (70) and hometown amateur Louise Duncan (68) at 209.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda of the US (70), 2016 champion Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand (71), and second-round co-leader Georgia Hall of England (73) led a bunch occupying eighth to 14th at 210.

The ICTSI-backed Saso shared 27th spot with halfway leader Mina Harigae (76) and four others.