Yani Tseng
Taiwan's Yani Tseng surged to a commanding 3-shot lead after firing a superb bogey-free 9-under par 63 during the third round of the ANZ RACV Ladies Masters being played at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
On another fine day, the Rolex World No.2 posted 9 birdies in her flawless round to sit at 20-under par. The three-time Major winner got off to a flying start posting birdies on the first three holes, before posting another on the 9th to go out in 33. Another five birdies on the way in saw her come home in 30.
She was very happy with her performance, saying, "It's really exciting because my putting is much better than yesterday and I just figured out something before I went out to play. I figured I was standing too far away yesterday and today I tried to get closer and it worked really well."
When asked about how she will approach tomorrow she replied "I will just enjoy myself and enjoy the crowd and shoot lots of birdies too."
The ISPS Women's Australian Open champion's closest challenger is American Stacy Lewis. Lewis, who started the day as co-leader with young Australian Kristie Smith birdied three of her last four holes to stay in contention. She posted a 5-under par 67 to be at 17-under par.
Outright third at 15-under par is young American Ryann O'Toole, the 22-year old posting a 5-under par 67 including back-to back birdies on 17 and 18. South African Ashleigh Simon (68) sits in fourth position a further shot back.
At 13-under par and tied for fifth is Spain's Belen Mozo, who carded a stunning 8-under par 64 and American Jennifer Song (67). Eight players share seventh position at 12-under par including flamboyant American Christina Kim (66) and Australian Nikki Campbell (69).
Defending champion Karrie Webb will have to produce something special to lift the trophy for an eighth time. She had a better day today posting a 4-under par 68 to be at 11-under par and tied for 15th. She was buoyed by the fact it was a better day, "I guess a little better than yesterday, still very up and down, inconsistent. A perfect example, I hit it to two feet on 16, great iron shot and a good drive. Hit it to two feet on 17 and then snap hooked it off the tee at 18."
If Tseng wins she will be the only the second player to win the Women's Australian Open and Ladies Masters titles in the same year. Webb won both tournaments in 2000 and again in 2007. The tournament record of 26-under par from 2010, which is currently held by Webb is also under threat in the final round.
