Matthew’s final push for Open

CATRIONA MATTHEW insists she is still in the hunt for the Women’s British Open, despite going into the final round at Woburn today six shots behind leader Ariya Jutanugarn.

Matthew, the bestplaced Briton on the leaderboard at 10 under par, threatened to be much closer after shooting three birdies in the first four holes of her third-round 71.

She gave two of them back at the 14th and 15th holes and Thai youngster Jutanugarn continued her flawless progress.

But the Scot, whose sole major success was this event in 2009 at Royal Lytham, isn’t throwing in the towel.

‘I got off to a really good start but I just didn’t putt as well today,’ she said. ‘I need to hole everything I look at tomorrow.

‘It’s possible. If Ariya plays like that she will be tough to catch but I will just try to make as many birdies as I can.’

Jutanugarn certainly looked strong, carding five birdies and no bogeys to complete the round in 66 and move two shots ahead of halfway leader Mirim Lee of South Korea. American Mo Martin is third on 11 under.

Jutanugarn, seeking to become the first player from Thailand to win a major title, said: ‘I know how to play under pressure. I felt a lot more comfortable today. I didn’t hit my irons well but still made birdies.’

Cavan amateur Leona Maguire is an outstanding 10th overall after a 68 that was only bettered by two players. She is seven under, nine back.