Olson leads Evian but Ko fails to fire

Chasing a first major title for herself, and a first for American women this season, Amy Olson fired a bogey-free 65 to take a twoshot lead after the Evian Championship third round yesterday.

Olson broke clear to post a 14-under 199 total after twice being in a four-way share of the lead at the sun-soaked Evian Resort Golf Club.

An eagle at the par-5 9th first took her clear, and she added three birdies on the back nine to stretch her lead over Sei Young Kim.

“I really enjoyed [the nerves], that means I care, right?” Olson said. “It was fun to start solid with a birdie on the first hole.”

Kim carded 64, flashing the form that set a US LPGA Tour record 31-under winning total at the Thornberry Creek Classic in July.

Mo Martin, a former Women’s British Open winner, was two shots back on 10 under.

A further shot back was a group of three players including Georgia Hall (68), who was a homegrown British Open winner last month.

Kiwi Lydia Ko was well off the pace on 209.

Five Americans are in the top 10, seeking a first major at the fifth and final try this season and a winner’s cheque of US$577,500 ($880,000).

American Ryann O’Toole made the biggest move yesterday to be eight under, tied for seventh. Her 63 was the lowest round this week.

While her South Carolina hometown Seneca is at risk of flooding from Hurricane Florence, Austin Ernst (69) joined the fourplayer group on 8 under with an eagle on the par-5 15th.

“Praying for my friends & family back home in SC/NC in hurricane Florence’s path. Y’all be safe!!” Ernst has tweeted.