Annika Sorenstam will take a six-shot lead into the last day of the Compaq Open in Helsingborg, Sweden after a third-round 68.

The local hero and world number one played within herself and yet comfortably negotiated the course.

Sorenstam missed the cut at last week's British Open but she put that behind her to improve the course record to 66 in Sweden on Friday.

"I can still be caught, but if I keep playing like this then it will be tough," said the Swede, who has already won seven times this year.

"It's been great to hit back after last week and to go through today without dropping a shot feels really good."

Her nearest contender is Britain's Laura Davies, who equalled the then course record to indicate that she is back to something like her best form.

Davies also missed the cut last week at Turnberry and there have been rumours that she may not receive a wildcard place on the European team for the Solheim Cup.

"I certainly know I can't rely on anything," she said.

"But I will be surprised if I'm not included.

"I won the Norwegian Masters just two weeks ago and I'm playing some really good golf. Today was exactly what I wanted."

While conceding that Sorenstam has a massive lead, Davies believes that attacking the course is the only way to challenge on Sunday.

"Six shots is a big gap to close, especially since it's Annika," she said.

"But I'll be going out to attack the course tomorrow, and maybe she might just have a poor day."

Davies' round included seven birdies - three at the start and three to finish - and an eagle at the long 11th, where she holed from 30 feet.

Meanwhile, Johanna Head, with a 70, moved into third place on eight under.

And another Briton with her sights on a Solheim wildcard, Mhairi McKay, shot a course-record 65 to jump into a share of fifth on six under.

Selected third-round scores from the Ladies European Tour, Compaq Open, Vasatorp, Sweden (Gbr and Irl unless stated):

-15 Annika Sorenstam (Swe) 67 66 68
-9 Laura Davies 70 71 66
-8 Johanna Head 68 70 70
-7 Sophie Gustafson (Swe) 67 70 72
-6 Mhairi McKay 71 74 65, Cecilia Ekelundh (Swe) 73 69 68, Ana Belen Sanchez (Spa) 70 72 68, Elisabeth Esterl (Ger) 71 67 72
-5 Samantha Head 70 72 69
-4 Sara Beautell (Spa) 72 72 68, Helen Alfredsson (Swe) 73 69 70, Catrin Nilsmark (Swe) 70 71 71, Nadina Taylor (Aus) 70 68 74
-3 Carin Koch (Swe) 70 77 66, Raquel Carriedo (Spa) 72 72 69, Kathryn Marshall 73 71 69, Kirsty Taylor 70 73 70, Diana Luna (Ita) 72 70 71