SHANGHAI, OCT 13 – Excellent performance on the last nine holes, accompanied eagle on the par 17 hole, helping Japan’s Mao Saigo move to the top by one shot heading into the final round at the Buick LPGA Shanghai.
Saigo shot a seven-under-par 65, dashing the hopes of host Yin Ruoning, the tournament’s highest-ranked player, who had a superb performance with a third-round 63.
Among the highlights of Saigo’s game was a difficult shot from the long fairway on the par four hole. The ball landed on the rim green before rolling straight into the hole for birdie.
“I’m aware that the points tally and standings are constantly changing throughout the day,” said Saigo, 23, adding that he was only focused on showing his best.
“I made some good shots and a long shot on the 17th hole that helped me to the top spot,” he added, referring to eagle in the hole.
Following close behind is 22-year-old Chinese player Yin Ruoning, last year’s Women’s PGA Championship champion and currently ranked fourth in the world.
Yin started the round brilliantly, recording 32 shots on the first nine holes, incl birdie on the par three seventh hole.
On the 17th hole, Yin received a standing ovation from the crowd when he holed a putt for eagle, thus ahead of the match.
“Today there are more spectators and I often hear them say my name,” said Yin.
“I feel excited to play at home and hope this momentum can continue until the last day,” he said.
“Tomorrow, I will play as a challenger,” he added. – AFP
