Laura Davies chasing LPGA Tour record in Mizuno Classic

Davies was made a Dame of the British Empire for services to golf in June

Dame Laura Davies is tied for the lead going into the Mizuno Classic's final round, giving her the chance to become the oldest winner of an LPGA event.

The Englishwoman, 51, hit a five-under-par 67 to share the lead in Japan with Ai Suzuki and Ilhee Lee on nine under.

"Obviously, it's a bad thing, because it means I'm really old," Davies joked. "But it would be nice too because it would mean I have a good record."

Davies won the most recent of her 20 LPGA Tour titles in 2001.

"I've been playing well but my results have been horrendous," she added.

"If you don't hole putts, you can't compete out here anymore. It's not like it's a shock to me but it's a nice surprise."

Davies hit seven birdies in her round to join Japan's Suzuki, who finished with four birdies to record a 64, the lowest score of the round, while Lee shot a bogey-free 66.

Suzuki became the youngest winner of the Japan LPGA Championship in September, at the age of 20.

America's Beth Daniel holds the record for the oldest winner. She was 46 years, eight months and 29 days when she won the Canadian Open in 2003.