Ariya boosts bid for second major
Thai four shots ahead at US Women’s Open
SHOAL CREEK: Ariya Jutanugarn stormed up the leaderboard, shooting a five-underpar 67 to vault into a four-stroke lead after the third round on Saturday at the US Women’s Open.
The 22-year-old Thai charged into the final turn of the major championship event, putting some distance between herself and the rest of the field at the soggy Shoal Creek, Alabama course.
“I told myself to just go out and have fun and be really committed, and I did,” Ariya said. “My putting has been working pretty good. I didn’t hit my tee shots very well, but it was a fun day.”
Former world No.1 Ariya roared past second round leader Sarah Jane Smith to finish with a 12-under 204 total as the tournament got back on schedule after heavy rains and lightning earlier this week resulted in a number of delays.
Ariya was among 78 players who got up at the break of dawn to return to the course early Saturday to complete their rain-hit second rounds.
Australia’s Smith, who shot a third round 74, is alone in second at eight-under 208. Smith, who is seeking her first LPGA career title, had the luxury of sleeping in Saturday morning because she finished her second round on Friday.
“I felt really good and kept my nerves under control, but I think the nerves showed up in my putting,” Smith said. “When you are leaving them short, that’s because of nerves.
“I have nothing to lose. Hopefully, tomorrow I can go out with a little bit more confidence.”
South Korea’s Kim Hyo-Joo was alone in third after shooting a four-under 68 while another shot behind was Kim Ji-Hyun (70) at five-under 211.
Three players were tied for fifth at fourunder 212, comprising world No.1 Park In-Bee, Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom and Carlota Ciganda of Spain.
Ariya has eight LPGA victories in the past two years, including a major at the 2016 Women’s British Open.
The Thai ace began the round three shots behind Smith and needed just three holes to close the gap to one as she gathered two early birdies.
She then posted seven straight pars, taking over the lead when Smith stumbled to back-to-back birdies on Nos.8 and 9 holes.
Ariya kicked it into high gear on the back nine by draining four birdies in five holes beginning at the par-five 11th hole.
“I think I’m going to sleep well tonight,” Ariya said. “I didn’t sleep much last night and I’m really tired. I just want to go out and be proud of myself every day.
“I’m pretty sure tomorrow is going to be a pretty good day. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I know what I’m going to take action on.”
Thai amateur Paphangkorn ‘Patty’ Tavatanakit (72) was 11 shots behind while Ariya’s sister Moriya Jutanugarn (75) was tied 48th on 223.
Defending champion Park Sung-Hyun of South Korea missed the halfway cut with rounds of 76-77, and world No.2 Feng Shanshan of China also exited early after rounds of 78-74.