Kristy McPherson of the US, boosted by three consecutive birdies from the 10th, held her nerve to snatch a one-shot lead after Saturday’s third round of the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
On a difficult day for scoring at a sun-baked Mission Hills Country Club, the 27-year-old shot a two-under 70.
Hunting her first LPGA Tour title in her third year on the circuit, the pony-tailed McPherson just missed a birdie putt at the par-five last to post an eight-under total of 208.
PHOTO: AFP
Former US Women’s Open champion Cristie Kerr carded a matching 70 to lie second with first-round leader Brittany Lincicome (70) a further stroke back at six-under.
Mexican world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa, eight strokes off the pace overnight, birdied the last for a 72 and a two-over total of 218. Taiwan’s Yani Tseng shot a three-over 75 and Candie Kung shot a two-over 74 and both are tied for 20th place on 219.
It was another day to forget, though, for American teenager Michelle Wie after a second successive 81.
The 19-year-old Hawaiian drove out-of-bounds on the opening hole and hit only five fairways out of 14 to finish at 17-over 233.
■HOUSTON OPEN
REUTERS, HOUSTON, TEXAS
Bo Van Pelt of the US took a one-shot lead at the weather-hit Houston Open on Saturday, before darkness fell and third-round play was suspended.
Van Pelt followed birdies at the second and fourth holes with two more at the par-three seventh and par-five eighth to stand four-under for the day and 11-under in total.
Knotted at 10-under were former champion Fred Couples, who had completed 10 holes, Briton Paul Casey and Americans Tommy Armour III and rookie Colt Knost, all through eight.
■PORTUGAL OPEN
AFP, ESTORIL, PORTUGAL
Paul Broadhurst will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Portugal Open, but it was Maarten Lafeber’s remarkable round of 64 that dominated Saturday’s third round.
The 43-year-old Broadhurst carded a 67 to stand at seven-under, with Lafeber, Jamie Donaldson and David Lynn all tucked in behind.
Lafeber completed the back nine in 28 shots, just short of equaling the European Tour record of 27.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely