DORSET’S Georgia Hall is set to break into the world’s top 100 – three weeks before her 21st birthday.

The former Oakmead College pupil is poised to climb the rankings after finishing in a tie for third at the World Ladies’ Championship in China.

Seeking the third title of her professional career in her first Ladies’ European Tour event of the year, the 20-year-old had led following the first round on the Blackstone Course at Mission Hills.

She followed her six-under-par 67 with rounds of 71 and 70, which left her on 11-under, three shots off the pace. Hae Rym Kim eventually triumphed after beating compatriot Seon Woo Bae in a play-off.

Speaking to the LET, Hall said: “I played well and my long game was really good but my putting wasn’t quite there. I couldn’t see the lines as well as the past two days and my pace was a bit off.

"I left quite a lot short but my long game all week has been amazing and my putting has as well, apart from today.

"If I had reached the hole with more of my putts then I might have been in a play-off but I didn’t, so I’m joint third and I’m very happy with that."

Hall was one of just three Europeans to finish in the top 20, the remaining 17 players being South Korean.

The former Canford Kid, who earned more than £28,000 for her efforts, has played in two tournaments in 2017 having turned out at the Honda LPGA Thailand.

She is due to compete in next month's Lalla Meryem Cup in Rabat, Morocco followed by the Estrella Damm Mediterranean Ladies' Open in Barcelona.

Hall finished fourth in the 2016 LET order of merit in her second full year on tour.