Ninthplaced Ko looking on the bright side

WELLINGTON: Lydia Ko left herself plenty to do in the final round to claim her maiden Women’s British Open title.

New Zealand golfer Ko shot a third round of 2under 70 at Royal Lytham and St Annes course in Lancashire yesterday.

While the bogeyfree effort had her at 7under overall and was her third consecutive underpar round of the tournament, it still meant the former world No 1 was tied for ninth and six shots behind leader Pornanong Phatlum, of Thailand.

Ko’s ball striking set up many opportunities on day three and although she could only manage two birdies, she remained positive and said she would enter the final round with a more aggressive mindset.

‘‘I hit the ball really solid, which was good after a pretty average ballstriking day yesterday. I felt like I putted my par putts really well, but the birdies putts weren’t dropping that much.

‘‘But to have a bogeyfree round, especially at a major, I will definitely take it, so hopefully I have a lower one tomorrow.

‘‘I guess you just never know. I just have to go out there tomorrow and try play my best, maybe be a little bit more aggressive than I have been going.

‘‘It’s never over till the glove’s off and the last putt drops on the 18th.’’

Phatlum fired a 3underpar round of 69 to be 13under par, with a oneshot advantage from England’s Georgia Hall.

South Korean star So Yeon Ryu was outright third at 11under. — RNZ

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Hanging in there . . . New Zealander Lydia Ko in action during the third round at the Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes yesterday. Ko shot a 2under 70 to be at 7under overall, tied for ninth six shots off the lead.