World number one Lorena Ochoa took total command of the Ricoh Women's British Open as wild winds sent scores soaring in today's third round at the Old Course, St Andrews.

Ochoa carded a terrific round of 73, level par, to lead on six under, six shots ahead of Sweden's Linda Wessberg.

Former world number one Annika Sorenstam struggled to a 77 and was in a four-way tie for third place on one over par but Scot Catriona Matthew, tied second overnight, had a dreadful 80 and was eight shots back on two over par.

England's Melissa Reid was the best of the amateurs. She shot 76 for five over par and was three ahead of English colleague, Rachel Bell, in the race for the amateur salver.