England’s defending champion Lottie Woad holds a share of the lead going into the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in Georgia.

The 21-year-old, who is the world number one amateur, is trying to become the first player to win successive titles in the sixth staging of the prestigious event, which has the third round at Augusta National, home of the Masters.

“I can definitely use last year,” said Woad who went into the final round 12 months ago two shots ahead of the field.

“I had the lead and then lost it. If that happens again, then I’d know that I’ve come back from there before. So they’re positive memories.”

Woad had three birdies and a bogey in a solid two-under-par 70 in the second round at the Champions Retreat course.

That improved her overall score to nine under par, and left her joint top with American Kiara Romero.

Overnight leader Megha Ganne is in a three-way tie for second place on eight under after she shot a 73 to follow a 63 in the opening round.