Haru extends lead in Texas Shootout

LOS ANGELES: Japan’s Haru Nomura maintained her lead through three rounds of the LPGA Texas Shootout despite a late stumble on Saturday in Irving, Texas.

Haru double-bogeyed the parthree 17th en route to a one-over 72 in windy conditions at Las Colinas Country Club.

She was at eight-under 205 and owned a two-shot lead entering the final round.

American Cristie Kerr (70), one of six players to break par on Saturday, was in a three-way tie for second with South Koreans Park In-Bee (71) and amateur Seong Eun-Jeong (69).

American Stacy Lewis surged into contention with a 66, the best round of the day. She was alone in fifth place and the only other player within three shots of the lead.

Haru, who led by one shot after 36 holes, said she was not bothered by the blustery conditions despite the late wobble at the 17th.

“Windy (is) easy,” said Haru, a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour last year. “I like windy and tough conditions, from fairway to green. I love it.”

Cristie, who won in Hawaii two weeks ago, was happy with her round that included three birdies and a pair of bogeys.

“It would have been nice to make a few more putts but standing on the first tee, anything under par you would have taken it,” Cristie said.

World No 1 Lydia Ko withdrew from the tournament on Saturday due to an eye infection. She was one-over through her first two rounds. Reuters