Hinako Shibuno, known as the 'Smiling Cinderella', is on the brink of a fairytale ending in her first major after a brilliant 67 on Saturday gave her the lead going into the final round of the Women's British Open. 

The 20-year-old, competing in her first-ever LPGA major and playing outside Japan for the first time, birdied seven holes to leapfrog overnight leader Ashleigh Buhai, who bogeyed three of the back-nine holes to finish the third round with a par score and drop to second place. 

She said her only goal this week was to make the cut -- but now she can dream of becoming a major champion. 

"I'm definitely exceeding my expectations," she said, "I think I am doing something incredible."

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Park Sung-hyun, the world No. 2, is in third place, three strokes behind Shibuno, with compatriot and last week’s Evian Championship major winner Ko Jin-young in a three-way tie for fourth with Americans Morgan Pressel and Lizette Salas. 

"It was a very good round," said Park, a two-time major winner. 

"I really do want to win a major this year, so I got a little greedy and missed some birdies. Tomorrow (Sunday) I just have to stay patient and take my chances," Park added. 

Local favorite Charley Hull, playing on her home course, and Bronte Law are tied for seventh with Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, five shots behind. 

Shibuno is looking to become only the second Japanese golfer to win a women’s major after Chako Higuchi won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 1977.

(With input from AFP and Reuters)