Japan’s Ai Miyazato sits atop a star-studded leaderboard entering today’s final round of the LPGA Lotte Championship. To remain there, her simple game plan of fairways and greens will be tested for a fourth consecutive day at wind-blown Ko Olina Golf Club.
Miyazato remained steady and true to build a three-shot advantage over Cristie Kerr and Spain’s Azahara Munoz. Her 2-under 70 left her at 10-under 206, three shots clear of Kerr (71) and Munoz (73).
Five golfers are in at 6-under 210, including current world No. 1 Yani Tseng, and U.S. Women’s Open champion So Yeon Ryu. Both had the best rounds of the day at 3-under 69 to move into contention.
THE LEADERS
After the third round Friday at Ko Olina Golf Club:
| Ai Miyazato |
71-65-70–206 |
| Cristie Kerr |
70-68-71–209 |
| Azahara Munoz |
72-64-73–209 |
| So Yeon Ryu |
71-70-69–210 |
| Yani Tseng |
69-72-69–210 |
| Jiyai Shin |
69-71-70–210 |
| Angela Stanford |
69-71-70–210 |
| Meena Lee |
74-65-71–210 |
| Haeji Kang |
74-67-71–212 |
| Inbee Park |
70-70-72–212 |
| Momoko Ueda |
74-69-70–213 |
| Karrie Webb |
71-71-71–213 |
| Brittany Lang |
69-70-74–213 |
| Suzann Pettersen |
70-69-74–213 |
| Jimin Kang |
72-66-75–213 |
|
Joining them are past Hawaii winners Angela Stanford (70) and Meena Lee (71), and former world No. 1 Jiyai Shin (70). Kerr and Miyazato have also been No. 1 in the world over the past two years. At one point, Miyazato, Kerr, Shin and Tseng were the top four players on the leaderboard.
As a result, Miyazato’s three-shot advantage could be gone with the wind if she doesn’t remain focused and play it one shot at a time.
"Just think really simple out there," Miyazato said. "That’s the key point."
Having so many quality players within striking distance might make that difficult, especially if the wind and rain descend upon the course. Tseng said she believes she can still win, maybe shoot a 65 as Miyazato did on Thursday and see where that takes her.
"Be patient is another important thing," Tseng said. "You just go out there and have another fun day tomorrow and enjoy."
Kerr is also in the hunt. A couple of small adjustments and the top American golfer might be the one to beat down the stretch, especially if she can get a round in the 60s in these tough conditions.
"I thought it played a little tougher today where the pins were and the way the wind was a little different angle and a little stronger than yesterday," Kerr said. "But I think I played pretty solid."
There were 21 rounds under par, but only two in the 60s.
