Australia’s on-fire Katherine Hull took charge at the HSBC Women’s Champions yesterday, opening up a two-shot lead over arch-rival Angela Stanford of the US.
Hull, who has only ever won once on the US LPGA Tour, last year at the Canadian Open, stroked a majestic six-under 66 for a three-round total of 205.
It puts her in pole position at the “Major of Asia” after a frustrating day with play halted for more than two hours because of a ferocious storm.
South Korea’s Yoo Sun-young is a shot further back, with another South Korean, Kim Mi-hyun, one stroke adrift of her.
Joint second-round leader, Paula Creamer of the US, struggled with her putter and only managed a 72 to be five shots behind Hull.
A group of five other players, including world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa and British Open champion Shin Ji-yai, remain in the hunt on 211.
Taiwan’s Yani Tseng, the world No. 2, shot a 69 yesterday and lies seven shots off the lead.
Hull was on the 17th when the storm hit and had to endure a long wait in the clubhouse before returning to finish her round, although it clearly didn’t affect her concentration as she sunk a birdie on the last.
■THAILAND OPEN
AFP, PHUKET, THAILAND
India’s Jyoti Randhawa charged into a share of the third-round lead at the Thailand Open yesterday after firing a sizzling eight-under 62.
After starting the day eight shots back, the 2002 Asian Tour No. 1 was irrepressible, sinking an eagle, seven birdies and one bogey, to tie with countryman S.S.P. Chowrasia and Welshman Rhys Davies on 12-under 198.
Overnight leader Chowrasia battled to a 70 at the Laguna Phuket Golf Club, while Davies, chasing a maiden victory, missed a five-foot birdie chance for the outright lead at the 18th hole for a 69.
Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines and Australian David Bransdon shared fourth place on 200.
Thailand’s Prom Meesawat gave himself a chance with a 66 that left him three shots back.
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