It was déjà vu in round three of the Carlisle Arizona Women's Golf Classic as LPGA Tour major winner, Sophia Popov, carded her second 7-under 64 of the week. The 32-year-old is making her first start on the Epson Tour since 2020 this week, with the last time she stepped foot on the Official Qualifying Tour of the LPGA also coming in The Grand Canyon State.

The German lost in a playoff in her last start in 2020 but will enter the final round this year with a four-shot lead over Epson Tour sophomore Hailee Cooper. Popov took a step backward in round two, posting a 2-over 73, but rebounded with another 7-under day in round three. She made her push early on Moving Day, opening her first nine holes with four birdies, an eagle and just one lone bogey to make the turn at 5-under for the day.

The back nine was strategic from the veteran, making her way around the closing nine bogey-free and rolling in two birdies on the gettable par-fives. Popov will enter the final round in search of her first Epson Tour win and her fifth professional win overall.

"I feel like my game is in a great spot. I think the most important thing is picking good targets and kind of sticking to the game plan tomorrow," explained Popov. "Of course, you've always got the win in the back of your mind, but I just want to go out and have fun and show my family I'm having a good time out here."

A win this week could mean just a little more, with this potentially being her first win since having her first child and Championship Sunday at the Carlisle Arizona Women's Golf Classic falling on the special occasion of Mother's Day.

"Obviously, a dream come true if that happens," said Popov when asked what it would mean to her to win on Mother's Day. "It's a little bit in the back of my mind, but I try not to think about it. I honestly wanna just take it day by day, swing by swing, really, because I think that what I've been lacking in the last few weeks is just to take it one step at a time."

Cooper will be in the final pairing with Popov and will try to track her down for her first career Epson Tour victory. The 25-year-old has been knocking on the door of the winner's circle since last season, and it feels like it is just a matter of time before she gets across the line for a win. She will have a steep mountain to climb coming from four shots behind, but Cooper has plenty of game to complete the comeback, promising a thrilling final round.

The final round will begin Sunday at 7:00 a.m. off hole one, with the leaders set to tee off at 12:30 p.m. local time.

LPGA Tour Veteran Sophia Popov Leads by Four Heading into the Final Round in Scottsdale

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