Australian Karis Davidson will need to take down the great Jiyai Shin if she is to claim what would be the biggest win of her burgeoning career at the women's Vic Open.
Davidson and the former world No.1 from South Korea are tied for the third-round lead at eight-under 209 after another dramatic day at Thirteenth Beach on Saturday.
Shin - who has won 64 tournaments worldwide and is defending the Vic Open crown - was first into the clubhouse after signing for a four-under 68.
Davidson mixed five birdies with three bogeys in a two-under 70.
The 25-year-old has twice finished runner-up at the Vic Open - to compatriots and major winners Minjee Lee in 2018 and Hannah Green in 2022.
The challenge posed by Shin is every bit as daunting, but the Queenslander is very much looking forward to it.
"She's been world No.1, she's won in different countries all over the world, she's such a phenomenal golfer," said Davidson, who retained full playing rights on the LPGA Tour for 2024 after a solid rookie season.
"That would be something (to beat Shin).
"... I've got one of my good friends on the bag, so we'll just be talking smack all day."
The highlight of Shin's round on Saturday was a spectacular eagle two on the par-four 16th, when she holed out from the fairway from 153 metres with a hybrid.
"I couldn't see it go in because I'm not that high," joked the 157cm Shin.
"But people around the green said it went in.
"Of course I'm so excited to have made it."
Shin and Davidson are a shot clear of American Jennifer Chang (67) and South Korean Min A Yoon (72).
Australian Sarah Jane Smith moved back up the leaderboard with a six-under 66 to be in a tie for fifth at six-under.
But the player they all need to beat is Shin.
"I've heard in this tournament they haven't had any back-to-back winners yet, so I look forward to challenging," she said.
"The pin locations are tougher than last year, so it feels like more of a challenge."
After starting the tournament with successive rounds of 75, seven-time major winner Karrie Webb enjoyed a much better day on Saturday.
She signed for a five-under 67 to vault up to a tie for 17th at even par.
