Lizette Salas, left, and Nelly Korda fist pump after finishing the third round at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship ©Getty Images

United States duo Nelly Korda and Lizette Salas will share a five-shot lead heading into the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

Korda started the third day of the tournament one shot clear of her American rival but her bogey-free round of 68 today was not enough to remain the outright leader.

Salas scored six birdies in a sensational opening nine holes before dropping one shot at the 10th for a round of 67 and join Korda on 15 under, five clear of the chasing pack.

"Lizette was rolling in some nice ones today, and I told myself, 'I’ve got to hit it close to even keep up with her'," said Korda, whose father Petr Korda was a former top-ranked tennis player who won the Australian Open in 1998. 

"On the first, Lizette drained a really long putt and I had a decent look at birdie, and I think when you get into that mindset of kind of egging each other on it’s fun, but it’s also nerve-racking.

"Your adrenaline definitely gets up there."

Victory or a solo second-place finish could see Korda ascend to number one in the world and become the first American to top the rankings since 2014.

The 22-year-old is in fine form having won last week’s Meijer LPGA Classic at Blythefield Country Club in Michigan, while Salas, 31, is looking for her second-career Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour title.

"I'm really proud of myself for how I started and how I maintained that confidence throughout the round, even though putts weren't dropping," said Salas.

Lizette Salas produced a round of 67 to join Nelly Korda on 15 under ©Getty Images
Lizette Salas produced a round of 67 to join Nelly Korda on 15 under ©Getty Images

"I was committed to each shot, and I wasn't uncomfortable, which I haven't said in a very long time.

"I was embracing it."

There are three players tied on 10 under including Frenchwoman Celine Boutier who rolled in a birdie on the 18th to shoot a three-under 69.

Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit, winner of the ANA Inspiration earlier in the season, moved into contention after producing the round of the day with a stunning seven-under 65.

Italy's Giulia Molinaro is also on 10 under after carding a six-under 66.

"I feel great," said Molinaro.

"I’ve been really relaxed, surprised myself actually.

"I played some good golf, hit some good shots, hit some great putts, and just played my game.

"I’m really looking forward to tomorrow."