Shin, who has been in front since the 18-hole mark, produced a round of 71 (1-under-par) on day three.
She was at 12-under-par, five ahead of Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn, who hit a bogey-free 69 to climb from fourth place to second.
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Japan’s Erika Hara (71) and Germany’s Esther Henseleit (73) were a further two shots back on five under par, while Korea’s A Lim Kim sat fifth on three under, with Japan’s Miyu Yamashita and 2024 champion Lauren Coughlin another shot further behind.
“That was a very tough round, I was quite nervous for the first five holes, so I’m really glad that I was able to finish the day in red numbers. It was a pretty boring and nerve-wracking day at the same time,” said Shin.
“That was a bit of a hiccup on the 10th hole. I changed my setup this week because of all the wind, but out of habit I lined up the putt and reverted to my old setup. I shut the face. I knew what I was doing, so I was able to get back into it pretty easily.
“I think the key is definitely hitting the fairways and then giving myself opportunities to get on the green. I have a pretty decent short game, so I wasn’t too worried when I did miss the green because I did it in the right spots.
“I’ve never been in this position [a five-shot lead], so I don’t know how to feel. I’m going to go and practice for a little bit and get a good feel for tomorrow so I’m not such a mess in the morning. The first putt on my first hole today I didn’t really know what I was looking at, so hopefully tomorrow will be better because I experienced all the nerves on the front nine today.”
Solheim Cup star Henseleit said: “It’s been playing tough all week. I feel like on those first two holes, I got a bit unlucky with my lies. I had to accept that bogey, and then I played pretty good after.
“I didn’t really hit it very close today, so didn’t have many birdie chances, but I managed to get a couple on the back nine.”
Watch the final round of the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open LIVE on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports + from midday on Sunday. Get Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract
