Lydia Ko, the 16-year-old New Zealand amateur, birdied the final two holes on Saturday to set up a chance of becoming the youngest ever winner of a women’s major title at the Evian Championship in France.
Already a victor in four events playing alongside the professionals Ko added a 67 to her opening 68 and was tied for second on seven under par, one behind Japan’s Mika Miyazato, with 18 holes to play.
The teenager had four birdies in an unblemished card to finish alongside World No. 3 Suzann Pettersen, yet she was still frustrated not to go lower.
Photo: Reuters
“I did chip in for par at one hole, but I left so many putts out there,” she said. “It was building up inside and I was getting pretty angry.”
However, she remained patient and it paid off as she finished in glorious style at the 17th and 18th.
Miyazato shot a second round 69 to retain her one shot lead in the weather-hit Championship.
Inbee Park, the world No.1 who won the first three majors this season, had a 71 to set alongside her first round 74 and was outside the top 50 on three over par and just one inside the cut.
Sweden’s heroic Solheim Cup player Caroline Hedwall looked as if she might miss the final round at seven over par after 11 holes. However, she covered the last seven in a spectacular seven under par, including a hole in one at the 16th. Back in 31 for 68 she finished on even par.
Taiwan’s Yani Tseng did miss the cut after carding a 74, while fellow Taiwanese Candie Kung was tied for 65th place on four-over after a 73.
The Championship was reduced to 54-holes due to weather problems. With torrential downpours forecast for overnight and yesterday, there was even a chance it could extend into this week.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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