The New Zealand Herald

Ko ready to give it all in British Open crunchtime

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Lydia Ko remains in the top 10 after three rounds of the women’s British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

The Kiwi golfer produced a blemish-free two-under 70 to sit at a tie for ninth heading into the final round.

Ko, who shot a 68 and 71 in the first two rounds, was happy with the way she struck the ball in the third — helping her move to seven-under for the tournament — but was left frustrated on the greens.

“I hit the ball really solid which was good after a pretty average ball striking day yesterday,” Ko said.

“I felt like I putted my par putts really well but the birdie putts weren’t dropping that much. But to have a bogey free round, especially at a major, I will definitely take it.”

The 21-year-old is six shots adrift from leader Pornanong Phatlum of Thailand, who holds a one-shot lead over England’s Georgia Hall.

Ko admits she will need something special on the final day to claim her

third major win and says she is willing to be more aggressive to do so.

“You just never know. I’ve gotta go out there tomorrow and try to play my best and maybe be a little bit more

aggressive than I had been going.

“I think the big thing for me is just focus for every shot. It’s never over until the glove is off and the last putt drops on the 18th.” Regardless of the

result, the ever positive Ko is going to enjoy the atmosphere at the Lancashire course.

“This is probably one of the best crowds we’ve played in front of this

year. I think the crowds love golf, they love seeing their LPGA players here. I’ve been enjoying it so one more day of fun left.” Ko’s final round began overnight at 12.40am.

 ??  ?? Lydia Ko
Lydia Ko

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