Japan’s Ai Miyazato was poised to claim a third LPGA victory of the season after taking a one-shot lead on Saturday after three rounds of the Tres Marias Championship in Morelia, Mexico.
Miyazato posted a two-under par 71 for a 13-under total of 206.
She was one in front of big-hitting Americans Michelle Wie and Brittany Lincicome. Overnight leader Wie carded a 73 in the windy conditions, while Lincicome had a 72 for 207.
PHOTO: AFP
“I like to play in the wind because I grew up in a windy place,” said Miyazato, who was brought up in the village of Higashison on Okinawa.
“It’s still tough playing in the wind for me, but I have a good image in my head even if I am playing in tough, windy conditions,” she said.
Na Yeon-choi (71) and Stacy Lewis (69) shared fourth on 208, while world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa was three shots back on 209 after a third-round 70 in her farewell event.
Taiwan’s Candie Kung shot a four-under 69 and was nine shots further back on 217, while compatriot Amy Hung carded a even-par 73 to be three shots further back.
Ochoa, who is retiring after this event to focus on family and her charity work, had hoped to go out with another win in the Tres Marias after winning the past two years.
Her triumph last year came with a 25-under total and was her third victory in the event in four seasons.
According to the LPGA’s unofficial calculations, Ochoa needs to finish at least fourth to be assured of holding the world No. 1 ranking for one more week.
A finish below that could open the door for current No. 2 Jiyai Shin of South Korea — who is playing in Japan this week — and No. 5 Miyazato.
Ochoa said she has cried every day of the tournament and she didn’t expect yesterday to be any different.
“Not in a sad way, but I know I am not coming back, so it’s a hard feeling,” she said.
Still, she can count on the support of thousands of her home fans.
“The only thing I wanted to do was to enjoy every moment and give myself a chance on Sunday,” Ochoa said. “So it doesn’t matter if it’s second place, fourth place, first place. Nobody is going to take this week away.”
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