Kohler, WI (Sports Network) - Na Yeon Choi fired an amazing 7-under 65 on
Saturday in challenging conditions to build a huge lead after the third round
of the U.S. Women's Open.
Choi finished 54 holes at Blackwolf Run at 8-under 208 and is six strokes
clear of her closest competitor, Amy Yang, who posted a respectable, 3-under
69 Saturday.
Choi and Yang were the only players to break 70 Saturday at Blackwolf Run, but
Choi's round was historic.
She matched the lowest third-round score in tournament history and her 65 tied
the third-lowest round ever at a U.S. Women's Open.
"I had a really good feeling about my swing," said Choi, the fifth-ranked
golfer in the world. "I had a really good round today. I think I hit a lot of
good shots today. I wasn't nervous, and I focused on my game and I played it
one shot at a time."
Lexi Thompson, the 17-year-old phenomenon, managed an even-par 72 and is tied
for third place with Mika Miyazato (73) and Sandra Gal (74). The trio is
knotted at 1-under 215.
Vicky Hurst shot a 3-over 75, which is good for sixth at even-par.
It was a terrible day for Suzann Pettersen, the 36-hole leader.
Pettersen made two double bogeys en route to a 6-over 78. She is tied for
seventh with former champions Paula Creamer (71), Inbee Park (76) and Cristie
Kerr (77). Lizette Salas (75) and Nicole Castrale (76) are also at 1-over 217.
Michelle Wie, who started the third round in second place and was in the final
pairing with Pettersen, also had a 78 on Saturday and fell into a tie for 13th
at plus-2.
World No. 1 Yani Tseng was not immune from the difficulties of Saturday. She
had a 78 and is tied for 38th at plus-8, while world No. 2 Stacy Lewis shot an
80 and is 10-over for the tournament.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
The Sports Network