DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Dec. 5 -- Michelle Wie stood in third place Friday in the LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament in Florida, moving one round closer to finally earning a spot on the circuit.

Wie, 19, a one-time amateur superstar whose career appeared to be dwindling before it could really get going, has never been exempt on the LPGA Tour. She will earn the exemption, however, if she finishes among the top 20 players in the five-round qualifying event.

Mollie Frankhauser took the lead after three rounds, firing a 6-under 66 at the LPGA International course for a 54-hole total of 12-under
204.

That put her one shot in front of Shiho Oyama and two in front of Wie and Stacy Lewis. Wie shot a 72, one day after a 65 that was her lowest score in more than three years. (UPI)