Sexton and Ryan shine at Helen Holm

Lahinch's Sinead Sexton (above) and Castletroy's Chloe Ryan are tied for third entering the final round of the Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship at Royal Troon. Picture Pat Cashman / cashmanphotography.ie

Lahinch's Sinead Sexton and Castletroy's Chloe Ryan are tied for third entering the final round of the Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship at Royal Troon.

The Irish pair both shot two under 73s around the Portland Course on Saturday but trail leader Annabel Dimmock by six shots after the Wentworth player added a 71 to her opening 70 to lead by five strokes from Anaelle Carnet of France on nine under par.

Leaderboard

Sexton and Ryan share third with Sarah-Jane Boyd on three under but it was a tough day for many of the other leading Irish players. 

Paula Grant, Maria Dunne and Olivia Mehaffey all shot four over 79s to share 17th place on two over par.

Moate's Amy Farrell shot a one under 74 to move up to tied 26th on three over with with Bangor's Victoria Bradshaw tied 31st on four over after a 76.

Ballybunion's Emma O'Driscoll (79) and Carlow's Aedin Murphy share 34th on five over with Carla Reynolds (79) tied 40th.