The Evian Masters was set for a thrilling finale after Wales' Becky Brewerton, South Korea's Kim In Kyung and Sweden's Sophie Gustafson shared the lead after Saturday's tight third round.
Brewerton, the leader from round one, carded a 69, Kim had a 68 and Gustafson made a big move with a joint best of day 67.
On 12 under par, the trio led by one from Japan's Ai Miyazato, who three-putted the last for a 70, and American Cristie Kerr, who was the second player to shoot the day's low score of 67.
But the outcome remained wide open with 15 players within five shots of the leaders.
Brewerton only got into the 90-strong field after winning the Open de Espana from start to finish last week, and she has shared the lead all three rounds at Evian.
"There is a little bit more pressure and I must admit I was nervous today. It was definitely a bit more of a struggle," said Brewerton, whose first of her two European victories came in the 2007 Ladies' English Open.
"But now I'm going to go to the practice ground and work a little with my coach, Stewart Craig.
"I've also been working with a sports psychologist, and I've got a few notes written on the back of my yardage book to remind me to stay calm."
While Brewerton had four birdies and a bogey, Gustafson made her move with a flawless round of three birdies and an eagle three at the long seventh.
"This has always been one of my favourite tournaments ever since I started coming here in 1996," she said.
"It has become very special, and it would be a dream to win it."
Kim bogeyed the short second but then had a glorious run of four birdies in a row from the eighth and another at the short 17th.
Kerr, who finished second in the US Women's Open earlier this month, had a couple of birdies in the first half and then surged into contention with three more in the last five holes.
"I led practically all the way at the Open and it didn't work out for me," suggested the 31-year-old.
"Perhaps coming from behind this week will."
After an opening 75, Mexico's world No.1 Lorena Ochoa has had back-to-back rounds of 69 but was nine shots off the lead on three under par.
American teenager Michelle Wie, twice a runner-up at Evian, was on the same mark after a 70.
France's Karine Icher, in the hunt at halfway, slipped back with a 77 for two under par but was still the top home challenger.
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