Defending champ Brooke Henderson in contention entering final round of Evian Championship | CBC Sports

Celine Boutier carded a 4-under 67 in the third round of the Evian Championship on Saturday to increase her lead to three shots going into the final day in Évian-les-Bains, France.

Defending champion Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., remains in the hunt just four strokes back.

The 29-year-old Boutier aims to become the first Frenchwoman to win the tournament, which became a major in 2013.

“I didn’t start that good to be honest. I missed the first three greens but got a good break on 2 and was able to chip in. Then I just had really good chances on the two par-fives, seven and nine, and was able to take advantage of that,” said Boutier, who had a bogey on the 12th hole in a round of five birdies.

“I was just trying to focus on making, hitting a good shot, and if I happen to have a birdie opportunity, I hit a solid putt. It was definitely positive and felt pretty good to start very good on the front.”

Boutier’s closest challenger is Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, who posted a 68 on Saturday after rounds of 70 and 67.

“Hopefully I will get more birdies tomorrow. It was good iron shots and distance control,” Hataoka said. “Also I was good too with my putting stroke, so I was really comfortable. Tomorrow is another new day, and I want to enjoy the next 18 holes.”

Henderson, looking to win her third major, is tied with Australia’s Minjee Lee for third, a stroke back of Hataoka.

WATCH | Henderson was tied for 8th through 2nd round:

Brooke Henderson on the move in France

Smiths Falls Ontario’s Brooke Henderson shot a 70 (1 under) in round 2 of the Amundi Evian Championship to leave her at 3 under , after 2 rounds and tied for 8th. She will look to defend the title, as round 3 continues Saturday.