Cat's on the prowl for glory.

Byline: CALLUM ROBB

CATRIONA MATTHEW is on the brink of becoming Scotland's first female Major champion after surging three clear at the Women's British Open.

The North Berwick ace - who gave birth to her second daughter just 11 weeks ago - fired a third round 71 at Royal Lytham to stand on the cusp of history.

A first prize of pounds 197,000 is in her sights after she finished four under, three shots ahead of closest challenger American Christina Kim.

Wrecked The two will go head-to-head in today's final round and BBC television commentator Ken Brown described the pairing as "Laurel and Hardy".

But Matthew just wants to avoid getting into another fine mess after a dodgy start yesterday almost wrecked her chances She started the day tied at the top with Italian Guilia Sergas - who slumped to a 78 - but battled back from bogeys at the second and third.

The Scot said: "I then hit a terrible shot on the fourth but a birdie at the next settled me down for the rest of the round.

"I started practising about five weeks ago after the baby. During the season I find it difficult to practise so the break has done me good.

"I'm hitting my irons better than I have the last couple of years."

Matthew collapsed in the third round at St Andrews two years ago - an 80 after starting the day second - but this time she hit back with birdies at the fifth, 10th and 13th to move clear.

The Scot also led with a round to go at Sunningdale in 2001 but finished third.

Kim can't wait for the showdown with Matthew and laughed off the Laurel and Hardy jibe from Brown.

The 25-year-old said: "I don't know that show but I'm going to take that to mean we're opposites. Catriona is a phenomenal player, an absolute diamond and I adore her."

Defending champion Jiyai Shin had a best-of-the-day 68 to move from 17th to joint third with Japan's Ai Miyazato, winner of last week's Evian Masters.

At four behind they certainly cannot be counted out of it. But star attraction Michelle Wie can be after a 74 left her seven over.

The final round is also the last leg in Solheim Cup qualifying for both Europe and the United States and ever-present Laura Davies could still grab an automatic place in the side despite a 75 after big threat Swede Sophie Gustafson slumped to 47th with an 82.

CAPTION(S):

Matthew: Leads field by three shots Kim: US ace is fan of leader Catriona