Kimberly Kim, a former Big Island resident now living in Arizona, beat Rikako Morita of Japan today in the third round of the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship in Carmel, Ind. PGA of America | July 2007

Kim, a 15-year-old former Big Island resident now living in Arizona, defeated 22-year-old Alison Walshe of Westford, Mass., 4-and-3, today in the round of 16.

"My competitor was not easier," Kim said on the tournament Web site, "but I played better (on) my last nine."

Kim pulled off a big rally to advance out of the round of 32 earlier this morning. She rallied on the 18th hole to square her match, then won it on the 20th to defeat 17-year-old Rikako Morita of Japan.

On the final hole in regulation, Kim parred the par-4, 412-yard 18th, while Morita posted a bogey. The two then parred the 19th hole.

On the 20th, Kim posted a birdie on the par-4, 384-yard hole, while Morita made par.

"That was so cool," Kim said of her six-foot birdie putt. "That was amazing. I wasn't aiming for the green. I was aiming left and pushed it."

"I was a little bit nervous, but thinking I could win if I played my usual [game]," said Morita, through an interpreter, of going into extra holes.

Kim, who became the tourament's youngest champion at 14 last year, will face 17-year-old Jennifer Song of South Korea tomorrow.