US Open champion Ryu So-yeon shot a three-under 69 yesterday to take a three-stroke lead into the final round of the Australian Ladies Masters.
Ryu, who shot an 11-under 61 in the second round, moved to a 54-hole total of total of 20-under 196 at Royal Pines.
Christel Boeljon of the Netherlands shot 68 and was alone in second, followed by Kim Ha-neul of South Korea, who shot a 64, and Diana Luna of Italy, who carded a 66. They were tied for third, five strokes behind the leader.
Photo: EPA
Taiwan’s Candie Kung had a rocky day, mixing three birdies with four bogies for a one-over 73 to finish the day tied for 47th with a three-round total of two-under 214
American-born Australian Frances Bondad was the biggest mover of the day, shooting a career-best 63 and was in fifth place, seven behind Ryu.
“I sort of lost track of how low I was shooting midway through the back nine,” said Bondad, who has lived in Australia since she was three. “It was a pretty good round and it sets me up well for Sunday.”
Bondad, a Ladies European Tour regular who won her first tour event last year in China, birdied her last five holes.
Veteran Laura Davies of England shot 70 and was at 213, 17 behind Ryu.
Seven-time champion Karrie Webb is not playing this week and will start her season next week at the Australian Open, which is co-sanctioned by the LPGA Tour.
Additional reporting by Staff writer
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